EDUCATE YOUR LOVED ONES

Communicate openly and honestly: Communication is key in any relationship, but it's especially important when dating someone from a different background. Be honest and open about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

Try to block out the unsolicited opinions and warnings from disapproving family members and friends early on while remembering that many of them are steeped in certain attitudes and prejudices that make your significant other's belief system or background seem unwelcome.

Once your interracial or interfaith relationship starts feeling like the real deal, communicate what you've learned about your partner's culture to the loved ones who bristled initially, and make sure he does the same. Of course, this isn't always the case; but often, the more knowledge you can impart, the less foreign and more welcome your diverse backgrounds will appear to each other's families.

In some extreme cases where loved ones use racial slurs to refer to your man, gently explain to them why those derogatory marks are unwarranted and extreme. Your tender thoughtfulness to learning and explaining these differences to your family will further show them how much this person means to you and send their approval rating through the roof.

Focus on your relationship: While cultural and religious differences may be an important aspect of your relationship, it's also important to focus on your connection with your partner as an individual.

Don't let stereotypes or assumptions get in the way of building a strong relationship.

While disapproval from those you love most may be the most noticeable, silent judgment and/or even verbal taunting from total strangers can be just as piercing. Rather than springing into action whenever someone makes an unwelcome comment about your coupling, keep moving and adopt the mantra that the more vicious their comments, the more ignorant and insecure the attacker. To ensure any offended feelings don't build up and have a ripple effect on your relationship, be open with your partner about how the comments make you feel; if anyone else can relate, it's him!

Be prepared for challenges: Interracial or interfaith dating can present unique challenges, such as navigating different family expectations or dealing with discrimination. Be prepared to face these challenges together and support each other through them.

Marni Battista has a Master's in Education and is a Certified Life Coach by the International Coaching Federation. Marni is also trained as a facilitator and mentor trainer. She is the on-camera Dating & Relationship Coach to Tristan Couveras, star of the new hit reality TV show, "Control TV," produced by Seth Green and Ken Fuchs, producer of "The Bachelor." Find out more about her workshops and classes at: datingwithdignity.com.