How do I talk about race and privilege with my partner from a different background?

This is the conversation everyone dreads and everyone needs. Mirabai's devotion wasn't gentle or avoidant—it was a full-bodied reckoning with what she loved and what had to change. That's what this requires. Start small. Not with "let's discuss systemic racism," but with something real: "When we were at that restaurant and the server treated you differently, I noticed it and didn't say anything. I want to understand what that felt like for you." Listen without defending. Not defending doesn't mean agreeing with everything—it means you're trying to actually hear. Then, gently, examine yourself. What were you taught about race, beauty, success? What advantages did you get without noticing? This isn't about guilt—guilt is useless. It's about clarity. You can't navigate something you can't see. The hardest part: your partner might get angry. They might need to grieve things you took for granted. Mirabai's love held space for that kind of sorrow. Don't try to fix it or make them feel better. Just witness it. One practice: ask your partner what they need from you that they're not getting. Not all at once. Over time. And then actually do those things—big and small. Show up differently because you understand more, not because you feel guilty. This conversation never really ends. That's the point.