Dating an American - An Intercultural Love Story

No matter how often Jon and I think of each other, or how empathetic and understanding we try to be, we still find ourselves slaves to our own world view. We base reality on our own experiences and beliefs. One time, I went on 3 vacations in a row before Jon had the opportunity to go on one. But somehow I still found it unfair that when he finally caught a break I had to work. Another example is, sometimes I like to stay out quite late with my friends in  Germany; while it seems strange to me that Jon might get a little jealous about this, I find myself experiencing the exact same feelings when he informs me that he will be out until 3 a.m. singing karaoke and hanging out with friends .  In a long-distance relationship, this is especially complicated. Jealousy and doubt appear regularly in the most unforeseen places.  "Why didn’t you tell me, you were going to that event next weekend? It would be nice to know the things you've been planning", he says.  "No ...

Sometimes , the distance really gets to us. Arguments and misunderstandings could be resolved by a simple touch or a look into each other's eyes. A hug would be necessary to ensure each other that everything will be ok. But usually, these are not options for long-distance relationships.  However, when you receive a gift from your partner that comes straight from the heart, you simply know that it's all worth it!  I want to share the song with you that Jon wrote for me about a year ago. It made my heart melt the first time I heard it and whenever times get rough between us now, I turn it on and know eventually things will be ok. We would be happy to hear your feedback because Jon is still tweaking the song and will record it again in the future. For now, here are two versions that show you how the song has developed within the last year.  I Could Be , March 2019:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WqPy1AQHww&feature=share I Could Be , May 2018:  h...

Both Jon and I are quality time people. Which is lovely, because we both speak the same love language. However, this gets really tricky when you are in a long-distance relationship! The idea to this blog entry came when Jon asked me if he could write a post in order to thank me 'publicly' for a gift I made him. Since it is now a little late for a Christmas post, I realized this would be a perfect opportunity to give some advice to other "long-distancers" and share what Jon and I do to spend quality time together- while apart. Number 1: Scheduling Exclusive Dates And I mean: Don't just "fit each other in somewhere." It's nice to receive a phone call from your partner when he is on his way to work or to chat while you are doing the dishes. But you need to set a time when you ONLY focus on each other. Set a time in advance, get comfortable and then focus 100% on your "digital date" - no matter if you video chat or if you just talk on the ...

Jon and I  try to see each other every two months. Since I am currently not able to visit him in the U.S. (because as a foreigner dating a U.S. citizen, Customs is quite likely to assume that I want to illegally immigrate and not permit me entrance even for a short vacation... you can read more about this in our first post). In the past 8 months, Jon has made 4 overseas trips to see me: three times to Germany, and once to India. This two-month cycle goes something like this: Daily, we text and leave each other sweet voice messages; we talk on the phone or video chat at least once a week and keep each other updated about our lives by sending photos and videos via WhatsApp. Throughout each two month 'separation'  we share hopes, dreams and worries about the future, we make each other laugh (and cry), we work through misunderstandings and different expectations as well as other difficulties that come along with a long distance relationship. And then, when the time draws nea...

If you are in a long-distance relationship and need to traverse oceans to see each other, it does not really matter which ocean you cross. That's why Jon and I decided our next meeting would be in India. For me, India had been a bucket-list dream and together with my roommate Lisa, we planned this trip a year before Jon and I met. Lisa and I love colors, spicy food and take every opportunity to dress up - India seemed like the perfect place for us. To my delight - Jon was willing to join us. Jodhpur - The Blue City (3 days) Lisa and I arrived 4 days before Jon and stayed in Jodhpur at a trendy hostel for backpackers: Zostel . Their staff is friendly and the rooftop terrace is an inviting place to indulge in a Mango Lassi in the afternoon. Across the street from Zostel, there is a multi-story hotel that serves delicious Indian food and offers a grand view of the Old Fort which is lit at night. The old part of ...