Dating someone from another culture can present its own special set of challenges especially with communication and misunderstandings. But what relationship doesn’t? Even people in a relationship from the same country will face these same challenges. So what’ so awesome about this type of relationship?
1. Cute Mistakes are Cute
I remember when we first dating how I made so many mistakes while trying to speak Korean. Hell, I still do! But the way I said certain things made me look (cuter) in her eyes so we often joke that I should never become fluent in Korean so I can keep making the same mistakes. I would often find myself speaking in honorifics with her which was strange since well…she is my girlfriend. She also makes some cute mistakes as well. One of my favorites is pronouncing the candy “Halls” as “Horse” (the way it it spelled in Korean really does sound like “horse” though)
2. Picking up a New Language
Gotta love being able to study language with your significant other. Learning Korean and English has become easier for both of us. Sometimes it’s too easy to get “distracted” though.
3. You get a real insight into another culture
Sure I lived in Korea prior to meeting Hyo, but I got to see even deeper into Korean Culture after meeting her and meeting her fam. She was also able to see my culture back in the states too. It’s a real pleasure to show the one you love, things that you have known all your life. It’s normal to you, but a whole new and exciting experience for your SO. I remember one time I took a trip with Hyo’s fam, and we went out into the river to catch some snails…snails! I had never done anything like that and it was quite fun.
4. Both find each other exotic and even more unique
I don’t care for anyone who calls out a person for having a “fetish” because they find particular features about someone from another race attractive. I never cared about race when it came to dating, and I think every race has different and unique features that are attractive. Me growing up with predominantly black people, I never met many Asians. But when I came to Korea, I did find certain features about Korean women attractive. I don’t know why so many get the eyelid surgery because I find the eyes unique and attractive. Hyo in turn, was very intrigued by my “Broccoli Hair”. And how could I forgot the “nun” mistake in Episode #3.
5. Cooking
Oh yeah! We love food. I seem to love cooking chicken for her though so I have to find some new dishes. She has showed me how to cook a few of her favorite foods in Korea and I have done the same. She had never tried a grilled cheese sandwich before, so I made some. I actually thought they were pretty awful, but she really liked them. Still working on getting her to like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
6. Free translator!
I’m kind of joking, but serious. If we are out somewhere, or if I need some help with something in Korean, I can always count on her to help me out. It makes finding cheap plane tickets on Korean websites much easier lol.
7. New holidays!
I love Chuseok and Lunar New Year even more now because Hyo’s mom sends me tons of food to eat haha. I hope Hyo can experience my Thanksgiving, 4th of July, and Christmas back in the states one day.
8. It seems like you’re always doing something new
There are so many things to show each other from your respective cultures that you can always find something new to experience together.
So does anyone else think they could date a foreigner? If you have, or are right now, what are/were the biggest challenges and rewards of it?