In today's world, countries rely on cross-cultural relationships for business, imports and exports, and trade to be successful. The focus of this discussion will be the development of cross-cultural relationships and the qualities necessary for the development of those relationships. Reflect on your cross-cultural relationships, and for this week's discussion address the following topics:

• Explain the types of relationships you have with people whose culture differs from your own (different ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, sexes, etc.). What types of relationships are these (e.g. friends, romantic partners, relatives, acquaintances, co-workers)?
• Many cross-cultural communication specialists mention open-mindedness as an attribute necessary for the development of successful cross-cultural relationships. Describe two other attributes or ways of thinking that a person or government should have in order to develop relationships with culturally different people or countries.
• Identify one of the attributes or ways of thinking needed for building cross-cultural relationships from the above topic and describe how you can further develop this to improve your cross-cultural relationships with others.