Times have changed. U.S. interracial marriages were legalized in 1967 as well as U.S. gay marriages in 2015. Nevertheless, the stigma of “different” marriages other than traditional ones still rubs some people the wrong way.

I’m Jewish. That means I’m technically expected to marry someone that is Jewish, according to my family at least. “It’s really important that you marry someone that’s Jewish. It just makes life easier,” my mom has always said. Yeah, of course that seems easier. However, there are approximately 14 million Jews in this world, which equates to about 0.2 percent of the world’s population. For someone who isn’t religious at all, how do you expect me to find that one Jewish guy perfect for me? Perhaps I should invest my time in JDate or JSwipe.

Although an interfaith marriage could be challenging, at times, nothing is as powerful as love. Love isn’t something that just happens, it’s something that you have to work at, as well (especially when you’re married or in a long-term relationship). If you love someone unconditionally, religion should not factor into your decision of spending the rest of your life with them.

I have always told myself that I would put love before religion any day, regardless of anyone’s opinions. Wouldn’t it be nice to take part in different holidays!? I mean, I have always wondered what it is like to celebrate, for example, Christmas. I love learning and experiencing new traditions.

As I live as a religious minority, it’s discouraging to find out when people wouldn’t want to pursue you further when they find out you’re Jewish. This goes for any other interfaith flings or relationships. What is it with certain people that are nervous about their families not accepting their significant others strictly based on their religion?

I pour my heart out about this because aside from being a hopeless romantic, I strongly believe you can easily fall for someone regardless of your religion, race, or anything else that can put a strain from societal rules. I’ve always wondered how different our world would be if we all were colorless and if religion did not exist. Life could consist of less violence, turmoil, and despair. On the other hand, diversity makes this world so incredible and interesting.

The social norms have to change. People have to accept one another for who they are, not what they look like and what they believe in. If we manifest in these beliefs, people could live happier and fruitful lives.

Love is a religion within itself. It’s something you believe in as you worship the person you’re with. You feel safe with them, embracing your special and unique connection you have for one another. Love is love. It’s not defined by your religion or the color of your skin. If we look beyond this, we can accept each other’s right of belonging and decrease ignorance. I want to love someone for who they are, not what they were born into.