[jfk]

Much depends on the contest in which the relationship was formed. If two people meet more or less as equals then cultural differences something which can be hashed out and healthy, reasonable compromises or blending of traditions can take place naturally.

If the relationship had a large socio-economic or educational gap to begin with then often cultural differences can cause major tensions.

For instance, if a student from a Western country decides to study overseas and becomes involved with another student at a given university, the commonalities they share are probably enough to outweigh cultural stresses.

To take an example of a soldier or sailor from a Western country winding up in an overseas relationship it may be based on an entirely different set of socio-economic equations and the wants and desires of each party may be out of balance. Cultural differences then heighten the strain.