If you have made a conscious decision not to date outside of your race, then you have automatically reduced your pool of eligible partners. This statement is true, independent of a person's motive(s) for not dating outside of their race. People have different reasons (some valid, some not) for almost every decision they make. The topic of interracial dating can lead to very spirited conversations, since race is an issue that illicits strong feelings from some individuals.

Is there anything wrong with interracial dating? The answer depends on the person you are asking. Some opponents of interracial dating argue that dating outside one's race leads to a dilution of the races. Because I am not racist and have no interest in maintaining the 'purity' of the races such reasoning is senseless. This so-called diluting of the race has been happening since biblical times and will most definitely continue.

An obvious argument for not dating outside of one's race is the fear of experiencing racism. Racism, unfortunately, is still very much alive in our society. Sure, we have made enormous progress; bi-racial marriages have increased, and most of us have seen an increase in bi-racial couples. Still, not everyone can deal with the stares, the comments, or the negative treatment they can potentially receive because of whom they chose to date, so they play it safe. They do not date outside of their race.

One ridiculous or humorous reason (depending on your view) I have heard from some women is that certain races of men are endowed with small 'packages' and as a result they will not date any of those men. There is not much to say about those beliefs. It shows that people clearly do have different views as demonstrated by those women.

Interracial dating is a choice and there is nothing wrong with dating outside of your race. People are the same on the inside; we all bleed (same colour blood)/love/hate/cry/laugh etc… However, if you chose to date outside of your race, you and your partner should be aware of some of the possible negative consequences involved and discuss them thoroughly. If what others say easily affects you or you are unable to handle the stress than can accompany interracial dating then perhaps it is not for you. If your parents, friends, and people in your community are racists then you have a lot more to consider. For some of you, it is important that your family and friends share in your happiness so their opinion would matter. Personally, I would not care what family or friends have to say about the person I chose, if those comments are only race based.

True love and happiness transcends race. If the objective of a relationship is to be happy with someone you love and care about then that should be your priority – finding someone. It can be fascinating to learn about another culture, different customs, and even religion, as is sometimes the case with interracial dating. Race should not be your priority in a relationship; it should be irrelevant unless you have made the decision to date only individuals of your race. In general, it is better to be open-minded than close-minded and the same holds true for relationships… be open-minded.

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