Success Happy

how much does upbringing affect a relationship?

I realize that people don't like to acknowledge that there are, in fact, different classes of people today but my question is, can two people who come from different upbringing have a successful relationship? The culture in which you're raised affects how you live your life so if you were brought up in a different culture/atmosphere than your significant other, is that going to be a problem? I'm not talking about race issues here so please don't bring that into the picture. The background to my question stems from my dad telling me to be aware that my boyfriend and I are from different classes/upbringings and to be aware that that may cause trouble down the road. He's not talking about rich vs. poor here. Because alot of 'well to do' people don't live in mansions. It's more of what your family atmosphere is when you're growing up. And if it's a significant difference between one and the other, you can usually tell. And how much will this play in the success of your relationship?

Public Comments

1. It probably won't affect dating relationships too much - since you are always putting on your best face, but now that I am married, I can defintely see how it comes into play. It's a nice to come up with the way you'll deal with things as a person and as a couple in theory, but realistically, when it comes to the things you value, making decisions about work and children, cleanlieness, etc. upbringing has ALOT of influence. For example, I am really praying for my relationship right now because, before I got married, my husband said he really wanted to be this great provider and would love for me to stay at home and raise the kids - which was my dream. Instead, he doesn't push me to work, but doesn't work as hard, because I am making half of the money. His mom is a serious workaholic and his dad wasn't there when he was a teen. So, while he "desires" to be a great provider, he is not motivated, b/c his family is full of highly educated working women who sometimes make more than their men. He says he likes to help clean up, but he doesnt' because his mom never made him pick up a thing.