How big a factor is what other people think in interracial dating/relationship?

It is only a factor if you let it be.Bottom line no one is living your life but you so you might as well live it the way you want to and not limit yourself to what society or even your family wants.People always learn to except it and move on.if it doesn't bother you it shouldnt bother your family or friends which are the only peoples opinions that should really matter but don't ultimately make your decisions.they should support you 100%.

It kind of is a factor. You do have to deal with other people. I don't think other people's opinions are more important than your own happiness though so it's up to the person to make that call. I have never officially dated a white guy but I was talking to one and most of the rude reactions I got were from males of my race. I live in a small town and I know he got a lot of flak from people too. His family wasn't really OK with it and mine didn't want me dating him either. People try and bring up history (I live in the South also) and try to make you feel guilty for dating people. I just think it's harder and it would make me less likely to date outside my race, he would have to be almost the perfect guy as in marriage material for me to go through that.

It doesn't matter to me at all what people may think about me (white) dating my South American boyfriend. For what it's worth. though, our families and friends see it as a non-issue, and no one else has ever indicated a problem either. If they did? I think you have to be with the one you love. In the end, it is about the two of you and the family you create for each other. It is unfortunate if others can't support you, but the love between the two of you is the most important thing. I'm not sure though, that you can "convince" someone who is already uncomfortable with an interracial relationship. I suspect (though I don't really know) that you are either okay with it or not. Someone who isn't okay with it may try it out, but my guess is that in the end, they go to where they are comfortable.

It is true, people can be attracted to other people who do not look like them :) I have been in an interracial relationship, and I never thought of it that way (it wasn't like I was thinking about it when we were together), except that people did stare sometimes, so it would cross my mind then.

My partner did not feel embarrassed or afraid or weird because of our relationship, nor did I have to convince him it was OK. If I would have had to do this, then it most likely was not going to work.

I think, at best, in your situation, you should try to be friends first and take it from there.

I totalli hate people who don't like interracial dating it makes me sick if she or he reli liked you it wouldn't matter what color you are

I feel that same way , because there are a lot of white guys that I find attractive , but it seem like their not interested or intimidated by me ;I personally don't care what people say because I wasn't put on this to satisfy , please or make them happy. I have to be happy myself &interracial dating , relationships &marriages make me extremely happy !

I think its really stupid that people make a big deal about interacial dating. The world is full of different races for a reason ; just because some people choose to be with a different race dosen't mean their race is going to dissappear. I really hate it when black girls make a big deal about a black guy being with a white girl. It's stupid. And with other races aswell. People act as if its illegal or they make the biggest deal out of it. I've been through this too , since I'm european and my boyfriend is from south america. It's ridiculous, and people need to stop being so closed minded and realize that no matter what, races are going to mix and no one can stop that.

I'm in a interracial relationship with a black girl that I will probably marry! But to answer your question I was never scared or anything to try and get with a black girl, they just never seemed interested... I've always been attracted to black girls. It wasn't until about a 1 1/2 years ago that every were I went black girls would always hit on me... At work, party, the mall, bars, restaurants, MySpace ! That's when I was like screw this I'm want a black chick... and the opportunity came up and I snatched it up! And I really don't give a f*** about what people think about me and my girl! I say date who ever you want we are all people!

Here's my opinion I date who I want...And if anyone objects to it just because she's of a different race then they can go f*** themselves because I don't give a sh*t what ignorant people think...

When you're my age, you'll kick yourself for wasting time worrying about what anyone else thinks about this. Make yourself happy, 'cause anyone who has a problem with who someone else dates, is never gonna be happy anyway. I'm 54 years old, and for the past 10 years, I've exclusively dated black women (I'm white). I don't care what anybody else thinks about it, as long as they keep their unenlightened thoughts to themselves. Do what you know is right, and let the devil take the hindmost.

I think unless you are completely cut off from society it is definitely an issue, and a big one. How your parents and friends see your relationship will influence how you see it as well. I think when dealing with white guy/ black girl many families would probably be a little awkward with it. Not to mention the verbal abuse that is likely from many passerbys, especially black guys who statistically are the most objectionable to interracial relationships when speaking of black girls, yet are very likely to be in an interracial relationship themselves.

It doesn't bother me. If I like the person, I will date them, and I don't care what other people think.

If I had toe reassure my partner, I would indicate to them that the only thing that matters at the end of the day is our happiness with one another, not anything else.

If they needed further reassurance, I would probably question the relationship. Because if a person is constantly questioning the relationship they are in, especially referring to what "others" think, then their heart is not in the relationship to begin with.