I’m pleased as punch to share some exciting writing news with you: I have an article in the Wall Street Journal today!
Yep, I’m pretty thrilled. There’s no denying it’s my biggest clip yet.
For those of you who read the piece, “The Language of Love,” your first reaction may be “Aw, that’s so sweet!” (And it is, isn’t it?) I get all warm and fuzzy myself and I already know the story!
Please sit with that feeling for awhile.
Ok, whenever you’re ready, I’m just going to remind you that this blog does use “(im)perfect” in its name. What’s astounding about how I fell in love and moved to France is that it’s true – just like a fairy tale.
But life doesn’t actually remain a fairy tale (little secret: marriage is hard!)
I have to be honest: hubby and I are going through rough times. I haven’t wanted to say too much out of respect for his privacy and feelings – and also to maintain the quiet I need in my own heart to process what’s happening – but I did want to acknowledge the ups and downs of any relationship. Even with Paris as backdrop.
One thing is certain, however: moving to France for love is the best thing I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t follow my heart. Nothing will ever tarnish the purity of our incredible meeting. I will always love Jerome. And I will always believe in magic – no matter what happens.
Just a little historical note: I would have been happy on any day my piece was published, but it’s an extra warm fuzzy to know that it’s also Loving Day.
On this day, June 12, 1967, interracial marriages were legalized in the United States. Richard and Mildred Loving (I love that this is their real name!) fought for years and all the way up to the Supreme Court for what today we can scarcely believe even needed saying: Two people love each other. Why on earth should they be kept apart? (Can you think of any parallels today?)
I am the product of such a union (mixed-race kids, unite!) Thankfully, interracial relationships are hardly taboo today. A lot of things are simply what we personally bring to the table. To keep it interesting (you know me), I of course ended up not only in an interracial relationship, but also an intercultural one – with someone whose native language I did not know.
These last two elements lay the groundwork for a lot of misunderstanding. But, also for many opportunities to learn and grow. It’s an interesting ride, in any case. And of course, I now speak the language of love everyday.
Happy Loving Day!
paris (im)perfect 
I wish you guys the best in working through the current bumps you’re encountering…. I’ve been there more than I care to mention. It wouldn’t be marriage if it’s wasn’t hard and heart-wrenching at times!
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Congratulations on the WSJ article! It’s a wonderful piece and you have every right to celebrate. As for the rest – hang in there. As you say, relationships are hard work. Give it your best shot and you’ll have nothing to regret. Here’s wishing you All Good Things!
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“I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t follow my heart.” That’s it, right there. The key to life. You’ve had a beautiful experience and can move forward with love and confidence. I wish you the best – and I’m sure that’s what’s coming.
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Well done on the WSJ article.
Building a relationship that works for both people is not an easy thing to do. Each of us has to work through that thorny patch on our own.
But you are young, willing to take chances, and most of your life is still ahead of you
I wish you success in all your endeavors,
Geary
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We’re all out here thinking of you, hoping whatever decisions are to come will be for the best. Marriage is a really wonderful and, at times, an incredibly difficult thing – everyone who gets hitched figures that out within a couple of years. Your blogcom has got your back xo
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Sion, Félicitations on the WSJ article- Chapeau!
Thanks also for the reminder about “Loving Day.” Your noting the wonderful serendipity of the case’s name reminded of political satirist & musician extraordinaire, Roy Zimmerman’s calling it the best name for a court case ever. He and his wife, Melanie, wrote a great song about it after Prop. 8 sadly passed in California, called “The Summer of Loving”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQWrasoNS24 I don’t know if my feeble attempt at copying that link will work (I see it hasn’t lit up in the magic blue lettering:-(, but it’s on Youtube; Roy’s name & the song title will find it. I just love his voice & biting wit.
Bon courage,
Marie
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Thanks, everyone for your kind replies. Yes! I am so excited about the article. As for the relationship, we’re working and hanging in. We’ll just have to see. You know, still trying to figure out those communication skills 🙂
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Congratulations on your publication in the WSJ! That is so fantastic and you should be immensely proud! You deserve it!! I’m sorry to hear your marriage is going through a rough time. Being an expat puts so much extra pressure on your relationships and I can only imagine that it is even more complicated when you come from different nationalities. Follow your heart. It sounds like it hasn’t steered you wrong yet. Hang in there and know that you have a lot of people pulling for you whatever the outcome.
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Thanks, Alison. You’re so right! Expat + cross-cultural dynamics do add extra pressure to a relationship. But also interesting rewards! Thanks so much for your support – nice to know people are pulling for me!
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Great piece in the WSJ Sion, congrats! I’d second @Alison’s comment about the extra pressures of expat+crossculture relationships…what a way to add new challenges to surprise expectations.
Thanks for the info about LOVING DAY, I wasn’t aware of it.
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Thanks, Anastasia. I know you know all about expat + cross-culture relationships! (Love your site, by the way). I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience. Though it’s hard sometimes, I’m learning tons!
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Sion, your article publication is SO exciting. Congratulations…I know there will be many more. I know things have been rough and it’s brave of you to talk about it. I understand some of those pitfalls in an intercultural relationship. Not only is the language different so are it’s nuances. Not only is the country different, but so are it’s social expectations and the way interpersonal relationships work. It’s a lot to swim through…all at once and with love at stake. We’re here as your life buoys if need be. I’m sure all your readers agree.
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Thanks, Delana. You have a beautiful way of putting things – everything you say is true! Thanks so much for the support. I wasn’t sure whether to write about any of this because it is so private, but it’s so nice to hear such encouraging words. And I hope I’m able to convey that while intercultural relationships are challenging (and who knows what will happen!), I have nothing but love and respect in my heart. Thank you.
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Very cool about your article. Sorry to hear you’re going through rough times though, but glad to hear you have no regrets. Life is too interesting for that! Take care.
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Congrats on the article Sion! Also, thank you for sharing somethng so personal and so private with us. I, too, left home for a lovely French man. Relationships are hard enough without the added stress that may come with intercultural or interracial differences. I echo Alison’s sentiment. Continue to be true to yourself and to what your heart desires.
Regardless of the outcome, if you start from a loving and honest place you will not be led astray. I’m pulling for you and wishing you the very best.
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Beautiful stuff, Sion, all of it, even the parts about the rough seas on which you and Jerome are sailing right now. I’m glad to know you have the wisdom to realize the gifts that you have received through it all. 🙂
I have the Loving couple to thank for my first marriage, to a Chinese man, and for the existence of my mixed-race kiddo, too. Happy belated Loving Day!
I’m off to check out the article now…
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