Summarize the following:
Rather than viewing yourself as two people from different religions, adjust your view to be of a loving couple with similar goals and values. Focus on your friendship, working together to make things work and committing yourself to each other. Find or create common ground on which you can both stand, rather than keeping to your own "side." The main reason why you may have a different point of view than your partner is because of a religious belief, but that doesn't have to be the only way to look at the difference. Instead, reframe your point of view to that of an educational and celebratory perspective. Look at the difference as an opportunity to learn more about the different ways you and your partner believe in something. Respect the religious differences you have with your partner. Allow your partner to follow their religious beliefs without criticism so you can do the same. Each of your religions will likely have some things in common figure out what those things are and celebrate them together. While this may be easier to do with some religions than with others, it's a worthwhile exercise. If nothing else, both of you will have the opportunity to learn a lot more about the other's religion. Communication is always an important part of any relationship. Commit to being open and honest about your emotions throughout your relationship. Chances are some of these emotions are going to be caused due to a difference in religious beliefs. It's important that you and your partner are aware when these differences cause emotional distress and to discuss how you will reduce this distress effectively. This step may require some adjustments and compromises, not to your beliefs, but to your actions and reactions. As a couple, there is no reason why you cannot create a new set of rituals and develop new traditions to follow. These new rituals and traditions can be a combination of your two religions, or they can be something completely new. Work with your families to develop these new rituals and traditions so they can be celebrated together. For example, if you'd like to host a big family get-together each year, but you don't want to do it on a religious holiday, pick a big non-religious holiday like the 4th of July or Labour Day. Another example might be to create a new family holiday based on an important date to your family, maybe your wedding anniversary or a child's birthday. A new tradition doesn't have to be based on a specific date, you could also start a tradition that's related to a specific activity or place. Maybe you and your partner go to a specific holiday venue each year, or maybe you and your partner always go to a specific restaurant to celebrate non-religious events. Regardless of how your family and friends feel about your interfaith marriage, you need to set boundaries. If your friends and family respect you, they'll understand that certain things may be different now due to your combined beliefs. This is your opportunity to present a united front. You stand together as a couple, not as two individuals. Friends and family need to understand and support this. Sometimes it's helpful to de-escalate a tense situation with humour. Being able to smile and laugh can reduce tension and allow people to lower their guard.
Develop a "we" partnership. View differences as something other than religious. Find commonalities between your religions. Communicate your emotions effectively. Develop new rituals and traditions. Build the relationships you have with family and friends.