What you need to understand about Chinese culture - especially if you have an interracial relationship

One of the biggest obstacles in any mixed interracial relationship is the cultural differences. Especially Chinese culture. Sometimes perfectly normal behavior for one person can be extremely offensive to another.

Even though I've been in China for a while, there is always more to learn.

So here's a collection of some of the key cultural differences that anyone who is dating a Chinese person should be aware of. And I've included as many "nuts and bolts" practical tricks, steps and actions to take to help you:

• make sense of the Chinese cultural differences
• relate to your Chinese friends with more compassion and understanding
• harmonize more easily
• make a more favorable impression on her friends and family
• broaden your knowledge of Chinese culture and traditions

When you enter a country, find out its taboos.
- Ancient Chinese Proverb

So let's get to it.

1. How to use chopsticks: One way that some Chinese people can predict where you will find true love is by watching you eat with chopsticks. How you hold the chopsticks makes a difference! More about Chinese chopsticks »

2. Chinese Numbers: If you can at least count in Chinese - it will help you in many ways if you visit China. Click here to learn hand gestures for counting in Chinese - and yes, some of them are quite different from the ones you know.

   And are you aware that many numbers have hidden meanings? Click here to see which Chinese number combinations have special meanings.

What the difference between Chinese lucky numbers and Chinese UN-lucky numbers?

What is Chinese digitalk and how can you use it to communicate with your Chinese friends?

3. Chinese Birthdays: What's so different about Chinese birthdays? Is your Chinese girlfriend's REAL birthday on a completely different day than what you expect? More about Chinese Birthdays »

4. Chinese Names: Are Chinese names backwards? Which name do I call my Chinese girlfriend? If there are any Chinese words which will always be music to her ears, it's her name. Make sure you get it right.

   And while we're on the subject, what's your Chinese name? Is it a cool Chinese name or do your Chinese friends break into hysterics at the silly sound of it?

5. Chinese New Year: How do people in China celebrate the Chinese New Year? You might be surprised that the Chinese New Year celebration has quite a bit in common with Christmas celebrations.
6. Chinese Lunar Calendar: Why are dates totally different on the Chinese Calendar? You don't need to be an expert on the Chinese calendar to make friends in China. But avoiding these false assumptions will help.
7. Chinese Body language and Gestures: Are these Chinese Gestures also common in your home country? If your Chinese isn't fluent, you can speak with your hands.
8. Chinese Valentine's Day: Did you know China has it's own Chinese Valentine's Day? It's called Qixi - and it's not celebrated on February 14th. Find out where, when and how to celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day.
9. Drinking Alcohol:Want an easy, fun and tasty way to win the hearts of your Chinese friends and family? Check out these Chinese customs for drinking...including 17 Chinese toasts perfect for all occasions. (Chinese New Year, Chinese birthdays, festivals, Chinese weddings and more!)