Marrying outside of one's community
I was approached by a parent with two children of marriageable age who needed my help. The children had asked why they shouldn't marry outside of their community, and the parent didn't know how to respond. I provided the following answer: Every community has its own customs, behaviors, and lifestyles, including food habits and tastes. Some of these customs differ greatly between communities. For example, in North India, it is customary for a woman to cover her head as a sign of respect to elders in the family. However, in many South Indian communities, covering the head is not required and is even considered inauspicious. In traditional societies, marriage is not just a relationship between two individuals, but between two families. When a person from a different community is brought into a community, these customs can cause problems. While these differences can be overlooked or compromised during the excitement of getting married, they can become serious issues in daily life. ...