If you are like a lot of people, you have probably dated a lot of people who share the same or similar spiritual beliefs as you. In many instances this is not even discussed if a relationship does not go very far, but if you have been dating someone and you really like them and you just found out that there faith is much different than yours you may have a lot of questions. What if you get married, what sort of ceremony would you have? How would you raise children? How would you spend the holidays?



These are fair questions but before you totally weird out, you need to slow down a bit. You need to spend some time thinking about whether or not you are comfortable proceeding with someone who does not practice the same religion as you.

Some people feel very strongly about this, and there is nothing wrong with it. But, before you have a knee jerk reaction you should really stop and think about the possibilities in front of you. You may find that you are more accepting of someone with a different religion than you may have ever thought you would be.

Dating someone of a different religion doesn't have to be a negative thing, even if you are a very spiritual person. Instead, this can be something that helps you grow as a person and become even stronger in your faith. You can learn more about their religion and what they believe and you can teach them about yours. You may find that you had a lot of misconceptions about their religion and you will be expanding your mind as well as opening your heart to something new. You don't have to take on their religion, but you can both share with one another.

Through this sharing process you may find that your religions have a lot of things in common. You may find that you are both able to keep practicing your faith without impeding the others beliefs. This can be a growing experience for the both of you, and many people have been able to build successful relationships despite differences in their religious beliefs.

If you get married you can make compromises, if you have kids you can teach them both religions, and on holidays you can each incorporate both of your beliefs. You just need to be honest about the way you feel and let your partner know how you are feeling. Being open will allow you to both ask questions, voice concerns, and plan for the future. Religion does not have to impede your relationship, in fact it may allow you to grow in new and interesting ways!