questions to her
On our first date…

Patrick took me to a Korean restaurant and ordered bulgogi (beef) and rice. She was extremely nervous because she didn’t know how to eat it and He was sitting across from me looking all handsome. At that time, he could barely use his chopsticks! Later that night we went to the Korean market to buy some snacks to try. (The Banana Cheetos are literally the best.)

During the first few months of dating, my deciding factor would be…

Before entering into a relationship with him, I wanted to make sure that we shared some of the same values ​​and faith. I think that’s one of the biggest keys to a relationship that people have to have, otherwise I think a relationship wouldn’t be as healthy. I guess you can say that could be a deal breaker for me.

I learned that He is the one for me when…

when I knew that he was the one for me, that’s when we talked about God and our faith, then I knew that I could share anything with him and I wanted him to always be in my life.

I had a culture shock when He…

I don’t think he did anything to make me feel culture shock. I was learning about South Korea and learning the language before I met Patrick, so when he did something that he would do in his culture, I thought it was cool and I learned something new about him.

3 things I love about him are…

He is handsome, genuine and funny.

The biggest misconception about His country and culture was…

Before I really researched and started learning about South Korea, I thought both Koreas were the same country and didn’t realize they were separate from the Chinese culture. I was closed minded and I feel ashamed for not educating myself and taking the time to learn other people’s cultures before. Now I love South Korea and I love hearing the language. I think a lot of Americans think the same way I do, which is why it’s so important that everyone take the time to read about other countries because you never know how much knowledge and understanding you’ll gain from it.

The most beautiful thing he did for me was…

Every day Patrick always wants to make me smile and be happy. He does beautiful things for me all the time. I am a lucky girl.

During this relationship, the most important thing I learned about myself was…

The first thing is that God has the perfect plan for my life and wants me to be happy. The second is to be true to myself and the third is that I am much stronger than I thought.

If there’s one piece of advice I could give my western friends who are in AMWF relationships, it would be…

Make sure that you and your partner share the same values, faith, trust, and respect for each other’s culture. I think those are the keys to having a wonderful and successful relationship. Don’t be sad or upset when you and your partner are apart, just think of it as temporary.

questions to him
Asking her out for the first time was…

I didn’t plan at the time, but after my high school track practice, we decided to hang out, and I was hungry. I asked him if he wanted Korean food, we should go there. It happened like that.

I learned that Ella is right for me when…

I missed her. Before we went on the cruise, we went out a couple times and that was it. After I got on the boat, I started to miss her so I realized that she was the one for me.

I had culture shock when she…

She’s never done any culture shock I think. She had a host family before she met them, so she knew almost everything about this culture.

3 things I love about Ella are…

beauty, friendly/kind, and funny…

The biggest mistake about your country and your culture was…

I thought that in America, guys don’t ask girls they like to be their girlfriends. I found out you’re supposed to ask.

The things he likes to do with me for fun are…

Everything includes watching Disney movies. Just hanging out with her makes me smile.

During this relationship, the most important thing I learned about myself was…

Communication is the most important thing. Since I went back to Korea a lot, we had to communicate only by phone. It was hard but you have to trust each other and talk a lot.

If there is one piece of advice I could give to my Asian friends who are in AMWF relationships, it would be…

I know Koreans for sure. Mostly they look at the beauty of the girls first and that is not good. Maybe it would be fine for a few moments but beauty does not bring you anything. You have to keep talking to girls and find who is right for you. I think their culture is a little different because people aren’t judged on their appearance as much. Being confident is the most important thing.