When meeting or working with people of other religion or cultures, it can be difficult relating to them at first. However, these few tips will help you when it comes to relating to people of other religions or cultures.

Remember that they are people.
Regardless of a person's religion or culture, or whether you believe in it, they are still members of the human race. Without bringing religion or culture into it, you can still relate to people of different beliefs and cultures the same way you would anyone else; the fact they have differing beliefs does not make them more difficult to talk to or be friends with.

Get to know a little about their religion/culture.
You can better relate to people who have different religious or cultural beliefs by getting to know a little bit about their religion or culture. This will help you to better understand why they do or don't do certain things, and will also give you a chance to learn more about the things they find important to them or the things they believe. Ask questions about their religious or cultural beliefs. Most people welcome the opportunity to share information about their culture or what they believe, and it shows that you care and are interested in them. You may even see it as an opportunity to learn more about the world and the different types of people who make it up.

Don't pay attention to rumors or stereotypes.
Most religions and cultures have rumors and stereotypes that surround them. Don't pay attention to those as they can have a negative influence on the person. If you have questions about something you've heard about a particular religion or culture, just ask. Most people are happy to clear up any misconceptions.

Practice the Golden Rule.
Even if you don't agree with other people's religious and cultural beliefs, you should still practice the Golden Rule--treat others the way you would like to be treated. Certainly you don't like to be ridiculed or shunned for your beliefs or your culture, so don't do the same to others. Different religions and cultures make the world a more enriching, interesting place to live in.

Be respectfu.
One way you can better relate to people of a different religion or culture is to be respectful of their beliefs and ways. Keep in mind that respecting their religious or cultural beliefs does not mean that you have to adopt them as your own or even agree with them. You should still be true to your own beliefs and culture, but that doesn't mean you can't be respectful of other people's. This means not arguing spitefully with them about the things they believe, or putting down other people of their culture or religion that you don't like or agree with. In addition, don't pressure them to do things that you know are against their religion or frowned upon by their culture. Once you respect people and their beliefs, you will have an easier time relating to them.

With so many different cultures and religions in the world, relating to people of different cultures and religion is something you should know how to do.