As some of you may know, I've been dating my boyfriend, Dima, for a while now. A year, seven months, one week and two days from the day I'm writing this, actually. (But who's counting right?) Although I love him and our relationship for many reasons, we come from different cultural backgrounds.

And guess what? It doesn't matter.

Now, I know there are plenty of people from different races, backgrounds, and ethnicities that are in loving long-term relationships all around the world so we aren't THAT special, but I think it does add something to our relationship.

Let me explain.

I was born in the United States to parents that were born in the United States who were also born in the United States. The closest relative I have that was not born here was my great grandma who was born in Italy but even then, she came to the U.S. when she was seven.

Dima was born in Ukraine and like my great grandma, came here when he was a child. So he knows a lot more about the culture here in America than I do about Ukraine. He adopted it from an early age more so from going to school and adapting to life here but Ukraine is still part of who he is and I embrace and value that. Especially when it comes to food. The more pierogi the better.

How we grew up and the cultures we were both apart of shaped who we are and allows us to bring different things to the table in our relationship.

Although a lot of things about us and our cultures are the same, the language, food, traditions, and overall culture can be a lot different. However, that's a good thing! I get to emerge myself in a new culture. I get to try new foods and dabble in a new language.

The best part is seeing how happy it makes him and his family. They love sharing their culture with me as much as I love learning about it. Of course, I don't know everything but that's half the fun. Every day is a new experience and there is always more to explore.

Dima's family may be a long way from the place that they once called home but that doesn't change anything. Yes, they celebrate American holidays as well as Ukrainian ones. That just means there is another reason to throw a party, which they love to do as well. Traditions are still followed and Ukrainian food is still made. They only thing that's different is the location they are in and I love it.

I respect and value them for who they are.

That includes where they came from and I am so thankful they are happy and willing to teach me so that I can be a part of their culture.

Dima and I have families that are different in terms of where they came from, but we've come to find that their values remain the same and that's what matters the most.

Of course, it was a bit scary going into a relationship knowing you're different than what the family might be used to but all anyone really wants is to be loved, respected and understood. So if you're willing to do that, you're gold.

We are both still learning and teaching each other things that we otherwise would have never learned. I, personally, wouldn't have it any other way.