Over 50 years after the demolition of anti-miscegenation laws, the number of interracial relationships is growing.
Thanks to various high-profile interracial couples in Malaysia, we receive a beam of hope that it is indeed possible for interracial couples to prosper.
But can two people from two entirely different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions really love each other and be together?
Again, taking an excerpt from the stories of interracial couples in Malaysia, the answer is yes. However, it involves a lot of outsiders making uninformed judgements about your relationship (and yourselves), which will eventually drive you to give up everything, cut ties with old traditions, and find your own place of peace and happiness.
The narrative is not far from what most interracial relationship couples face, even in Malaysia, but without the intense media scrutiny of international celebrities.
What is interracial relationship/dating?
Source: Tucayamice.com
To understand why, we must understand the meaning of interracial relationships, which describes two people belonging to different races, ethnicities, and religions seeing each other or being in a relationship.
Not seeing just with the eyes, but with the whole mind, body, and soul.
It’s just like regular relationships, but between two people who are from worlds apart.
Because of this difference, interracial relationships face a lot of unsolicited judgements, looks, and sneers. Why?
In Malaysia, where the population is made up of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups, people in interracial relationships often face scrutiny—sometimes subtle, sometimes overt.
Despite the many efforts to embrace multiculturalism, and the common phrase ‘don’t see colour’, people will still have borderline racist preconceptions of those who look different from them, whether consciously or subconsciously.
And whether we like it or not, race and racism have made their way into many aspects of our society, particularly when it comes to prejudice against interracial relationships.
Yes, this applies to interracial relationships in Malaysia too!
Things to know about Interracial Relationships
If you ever find yourself in an interracial relationship, fair warning, it could be a bumpy ride ahead.
Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly), the challenges do not necessarily arise from the differences between you and your partner, but instead from the influence of unseen forces, views, and perspectives.
Traditional parents that don’t like to see you date outside the family religion, or friends who turn out to be more bigoted than you thought are a sad, but common, occurrence.
On the other hand, being in an interracial relationship can help you to learn so much, and grow as a person in many ways.
To set you on the right path of discovery into interracial relationships, here’s what we’ve learned from several interracial couples in Malaysia:
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Race will come up
Source: Business Insider
Expectedly, the topic of race may be brought up in the day-to-day. Not necessarily among the two of you, but from outside influences.
Rather than tiptoeing around the subject, talking about it and addressing it amicably is what keeps the relationship strong.
Just like discussing topics such as each other’s view on marriage, finances, family relationships, or gender roles, there must also be an open understanding when it comes to discussing racial issues.
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Exploring different cultural backgrounds
To be with someone from a different cultural background, you need to have an interest in their culture. This can be accomplished through a lot of learning, along with the help of your partner.
Researching, reading, asking questions, and being involved in cultural occasions no matter how big or small, or just spending time with each other’s families are organic ways that you can learn from each other. And whatever you do, keep an open mind!
In Malaysia, you might be invited to partake in traditional celebrations such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, or the many other festivals celebrated in the country. Understanding these traditions can bring you closer.
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Exploring different world views
Dating interracially opens doors to a whole new world that you normally would not have access to. Your varying backgrounds and privilege structures mean that you have varying experiences, which form your distinctive perspectives.
To unlock your eyes to this wealth of information, it begins with having an open mind and an open heart as both your worlds naturally expand. The journey is worth it!
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There will be comments
Source: Digital Market Asia
People will always say things, and some of them can be really stupid. Nevertheless, constant sneers, whispers, and derogatory remarks can affect anyone, causing unwanted stress and anxiety.
Think of it this way, that’s all there is, empty, superficial comments from strangers who haven’t walked a mile in you or your partner’s shoes. So why should they be allowed to affect your relationship?
Take the comments, scrunch them up into a ball, toss it far away, and snuggle back into your interracial boo’s arms.
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Work to create a safe space for each other
It’s a scary world out there. There will always be haters, and haters are always going to hate.
But having each other, and working to constantly shield each other from negativity from the outside builds a strong foundation for your relationship. Treat each other like your solace, your happy place where negative energy immediately subsides when you are together.
Because of this shared hurdle, interracial couples also tend to feel closer to each other.
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You learn to accept your own culture and traditions on a deeper level
Source: NextShark
By showing your culture and traditions to someone who’s eager to learn and accept it as their own, you get to see them in a whole different light.
It helps you to appreciate and embrace your own heritage, as well as your differences even more.
Challenges of interracial marriage
You’re probably thinking: ‘Wait! There are MORE challenges after this?’. You’ve made it this far! What’s a couple more curve balls?
Children
You’ve probably already gotten numerous remarks about how your babies are going to look since they will be ‘mixed’ babies.
And it doesn’t stop there. Your children will also inadvertently become the subject of stereotype and discrimination.
Creating a safe space for discussion in the family is crucial, so that whatever your children are going through, they can turn to you for support.
Knowing that mommy and daddy are also facing the same problems helps to validate their feelings. It also fosters a solid bond between each other.
Holidays
Source: Edmonton Journal
Holidays can be nerve-wracking especially if you’re celebrating them with each other’s families.
The first thought that comes to mind is ‘how will we celebrate it?’. Then, thoughts like ‘will they accept me?’ or ‘what if I accidentally say something insensitive?’ will surely play at the back of your minds.
Before this even happens, refer back to the list above and be open to talk about it!
In many ways, interracial relationships are just like regular relationships. Race rarely comes up because usually, couples involved in the relationship are connected on a much deeper level.
The differences matter, but rather than seeing them as a challenge, embracing them wholeheartedly makes things 10 times easier.
As long as the connection and the foundation of your relationship are rock solid, and you build a love that runs more than skin-deep, your relationship can work through anything.
Honey, if you find someone who loves you utterly and completely, with (literally) no boundaries, take it and cherish it!
For our honeys who are still on the journey of discovery, take your discovery to Sugarbook today where opportunity awaits!
Want more dating tips and information like these? The Sugarbook blog will satisfy your reading cravings ❤️
FAQ
1. Are interracial relationships common in Malaysia?
Yes. With more expats and diverse locals on dating platforms, interracial dating is on the rise.
2. What are the challenges of interracial relationships?
Cultural clashes, family pressure, or communication gaps—but strong couples grow through them.
3. Can interracial relationships work long-term?
Definitely. Respect, emotional maturity, and shared values matter more than background.
4. Are interracial sugar relationships accepted in Malaysia?
They’re becoming more visible, especially among students, expats, and urban Sugarbook users.
5. What’s the best dating platform for interracial sugar dating in MY?
Sugarbook stands out for verified profiles, expat-local connections, and flexible arrangement options.
Explore more dating and relationship insights:
→ sugar dating vs normal dating
→ what sugar baby means
→ guide to sugar babies in Malaysia
→ best dating sites in Malaysia
