This sort of pigggybacks off of my last post that I AM starting to feel more prepared. However, I must add that the element of relationships changing really hits home. I've realized that I have many family members and a few friends/ acquaintainces who I have different views/ values from. This is especially difficult with family, and not made easier by the fact that I am in a serious interracial relationship. I want to have these discussions in ways that can bring about change without damaging the relationship but it doesn't always work. I am often belittled for my "opinion" or silenced. Unless there is change, it will lead to ending those relationships. I'm hesitant to bring my partner into that environment. If we have children, I can't subject them to a family that sees them as somehow inferior. Yet, isolating myself/ my relationship/ my family only widens the gap and confirms their views of me/ my beliefs as petty/ ridiculous. I want to open their eyes so badly but you can't force someone to change. I feel as though I am learning though and hopefully, my gentle persistance can one day bring about change in my own family.
