Rashmi Singla, Roskilde University and Ida Glad, Wattar Gruppen, Kognitivt Psykologcenter, Denmark
published in the Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Love and Relationship Studies, 6-8 March, 2026
You can see the full video recording of this presentation at the YouTube channel of the International Institute of Love Studies
Introduction
This paper examines long-term love dynamics among couples in interracial/cultural relationships, also known as “mixed” couples. The study focuses on couples living in the Nordic region, characterised by homogeneity and a history of limited discussion about mixedness. Existing research on “mixed” couples often highlights adverse outcomes, such as higher divorce rates and social stigma (Elers, 2021; Blair, 2022). However, some recent studies acknowledge their strength and resilience (Yuratava & Charura, 2025). Xuan et al. (2023) conclude that intercultural marriages thrive when couples use adaptive strategies such as prioritising children’s futures, social resources, and navigating cultural conflicts, which support the wellbeing of “multicultural” couples. A meta-analysis of intercultural marriage satisfaction, based on 20 studies, examined relationship satisfaction in couples with different and homogeneous sociocultural backgrounds and refuted the claim that they are less satisfied than same–culture couples (Uhlich et al., 2022).
The aim of the two case studies reported in this paper is to explore how culturally “mixed” couples residing in Denmark maintain long-lasting love. A prospective study with couples in primarily in Denmark and also in other countries is planned.
Methodology and Methods
The two case studies followed a cultural‑psychological approach, along with intersectionality, subjective meaning‑making, and spirituality, to examine how intercultural couples maintain long-term relationships. We include a strength-based perspective and love philosophies, comprising “race does not matter” (colour-blind ideology) and “race matters,” in both exoticising (centring difference) and celebratory ways (centring both difference and similarity) (Brooks et al., 2025).
We conducted a re‑examination of the phenomenon of long-term love dynamics among culturally “mixed” couples, applying both the original 2015 conceptual analyses (Singla, 2015) and updated, more complex analyses, recognising the strengths, resilience, and negotiation skills that intercultural couples demonstrate in their long-term relationships (Singla, 2024, 2025).
The analysis focuses on two selected intercultural couples from Denmark who self‑identified as heterosexual, were long‑term (criterion 8–50 years), and reported effective negotiation of their couplehood. These two cases represent (a) Klaus (Denmark) and Raaka (India), married eight years, and having one daughter (7 years old); (b) Lars (Denmark) and Marlik (Pakistan), married 27 years, and having one daughter (25 years old) and one son (15 years old).
We gathered the data through in‑depth, semi‑structured interviews, which were audio‑recorded and transcribed verbatim to preserve participants’ language and narrative nuances. We used interpretive thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning and negotiation within and across cases. Illustrative excerpts were selected to support interpretive claims while following ethical considerations.
Results and Discussion
The analyses of these two case studies have revealed the major strategies and support sources that contribute to long-term love among mixed couples. Both couples demonstrate awareness of similarities and differences, as well as their “romantic love”. The differences represent opportunities for personal and dyadic development, rather than just barriers. One strategy is to develop “racial literacy” among the Danish partners. Klaus and Lars show an awareness of racial discrimination among the ethnic minorities and their privileged position as the White majority. Moreover, Raaka and Lars consider themselves “bridge-builders” through active, critical response to discrimination.
We interpret these observations of an expansion of partners’ perspectives and knowledge as they are encouraged to include previously unexplored worldviews and heritages, along with celebratory strategies. Illustrations are Raaka’s in-depth knowledge of the Danish labour market, especially the exclusionary processes, attempts to promote diversity, and Lars’ religious conversion, spirituality, and attention to common humanity.
Both couples have children and emphasise ongoing mutual discussions and an extended family support system in raising their children of mixed parentage. For Raaka and Claus, there is a parental agreement on the significant values, especially bilingualism, to be transmitted to their daughter. We analyse psychological factors and “mentality” similarity between Lars and Marlik in raising their children through a “specific mix” combining the ethnic identities of both parents, thus prioritising children’s futures as a strategy for maintaining a long-term relationship.
In the prospective study, we consider including creative arts methods – visual and symbolic artworks to explore the experiences of 10 couples who self-identify as long-term culturally “mixed” couples. These artworks serve as prompts for dialogue and critical reflection, helping express complex experiences and emotions that are otherwise difficult to articulate in words, especially in contexts with linguistic barriers, where Danish/English is the participants’ second/third language.
References
Blair, L. (2023). Love on the rocks: The uncertain fate of emotional intimacy in postnormal times. World Futures, 79(2), 159-185.
Brooks J. Jang, S. & Kang, J. (2025). Racial Ideologies and Identity in Interracial Relationships. In S. Raghunandan, R. Moodley & K. Kenney (Eds.) The Routledge International Handbook of Interracial and Intercultural Relationships and Mental Health (pp. 489–501). Routledge.
Elers, P. (2021). Mange finder kærligheden i udlandet [So Many Find Love Abroad] Kristeligt Dagblad, 11 juni.
Singla, R. (2015). Intermarriage and Mixed Parenting: Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing. Palgrave Macmillan.
Singla, R. (2024). Living apart together transnationally (LATT) couples: Promoting mental health and intimacy. Springer.
Singla, R. (2025). Interracial Relationships in Denmark: Couples across Racial/ Ethnic Borders. In S. Raghunandan, R. Moodley & K. Kenney (Eds.) The Routledge International Handbook of Interracial and Intercultural Relationships and Mental Health (pp.207- 219). Routledge.
Uhlich, M., Luginbuehl, T., & Schoebi, D. (2022). Cultural diversity within couples: Risk or chance? A meta-analytic review of relationship satisfaction. Personal Relationships, 29(1), 120–145.
Xuan, P. T. H., Tra, V. P. M., Tan, K. S., & Long, N. D. B. (2024, January). Thriving in Intercultural Marriages: Navigating Cultural Conflicts and Utilizing Social Resources in Korean-Vietnamese Couples in Vietnam. In 4th International Conference on Communication, Language, Education and Social Sciences (CLESS 2023) (pp. 261-271). Atlantis Press.
Yuratava, E. & Charura, D. (2025). The Role of Culture in Intercultural Love and Romantic Relationships. In Raghunandan, Moodley & Kenney (Eds.) The Routledge International Handbook of Interracial and Intercultural Relationships and Mental Health (pp. 515- 526). Routledge.