As I went off to boarding school, one of the last things my mom said to me was, "No international boys." Sorry, mom. I fell for the funny, smart, talented boy from South Korea. Now after two years of dating, there's no doubt in my mind, that as an international couple, we are made to last. After all, we have overcome and outlasted struggles most couples do not have to endure.
The dreaded goodbyes are the worst. The tears shed each time we drop the other off at the airport or drive away never lessen. Perhaps my sobs even get worse. I'm always happy to see him go home to his family for a little while but that doesn't mean I selfishly can't wait until he comes back.
Even when we are in the same country, we still do long-distance. We didn't choose to go to the same college, so we endure the weeks or months apart. As ideal it would be to go to the same school or live in the same town, distance has made us stronger. I, now, truly believe the saying "distance makes the heart grow stronger." We make it a priority to talk everyday, despite busy days or a ridiculous time difference. Our time apart has surely matured and strengthened our relationship.
The language barrier is also something we've overcome. I often take it for granted that he is not speaking his first language. As the native, English speaker, I often take the opportunity to correct his grammar. I'm horrible, I know. However, he practically taught himself the language and speaks perfectly with no accent, and definitely has a better vocabulary than me. Meanwhile, I know cheesy or inappropriate phrases in his language that will never be of real use to me. Thank goodness for the common language that allowed us to get to know one another. Now it's time for me to start learning my second language!
We also get to enjoy the benefits of being an international couple. For one, other cultures are so intriguing. His cultural perspective allows me to see life from a different view than the one I grew up on. I have a new appreciation for a lot of things because of his cultural background. Also, we get to travel to visit one another. Home is where the heart is, so it's only proper to visit home - even if it's on the other side of the world.
Today, I get to stand by my best friend who doubles as my boyfriend. I get to answer the silly questions that come along with saying, "my boyfriend is from South Korea." I get to happily learn and grow alongside a man full of humility and love. We have struggled and I do not doubt that it will be smooth sailing from here on out, but we have surely grown together as an international couple.
