The Story of Anna and Patrick
We first started chatting on Valentine’s day back in February of 2016 on an online app called Hellotalk. Patrick and I hit it off from the moment we started talking. We found out that we both lived in the midwest of the United States and in the same area. Finally, we met each other in March. I planned a night with some of my friends and invited Patrick to join. A month after we started dating. We have been blessed to have a wonderful a year and a half gone by and cannot wait to spend more years together!
Questions to Her
On Our first date…
Patrick took me to a Korean restaurant and ordered me bulgogi (beef) and rice. I was extremely nervous because I didn’t know how to eat it and He was sitting in front of me looking all handsome. At the time, I could barely use chopsticks! Later that night we went to the Korean market to grab some snacks to try. (Banana Cheetos are literally the best.)
During the first months of dating my deal-breaker would be…
Before I got into a relationship with him, I wanted to be sure that we shared some of the same values and faith. I think that is one of the most important keys to a relationship that people need to have, otherwise I believe a relationship wouldn’t be as healthy. I guess you can say, that could be a “deal breaker” for me.
I learned He is right for me when…
when I learned he was right for me, is when we were talking about God and our faith, I knew then I could share anything with him and wanted him to always be in my life.
I had culture shock when He…
I can’t think he has ever done anything to make me feel the culture shock. I was learning about South Korea and learning the language before I met Patrick so when he I ever did something that he would do in his culture I just thought that 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 did research 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 that I didn’t educate myself and take the time to learn other people’s cultures sooner. Now I absolutely love South Korea and love listening to the language. I think a lot of Americans think like I use, that is why it is so important for everyone to take time to read about other countries because you never know how much knowledge and understanding you will gain because of it.
The most beautiful thing He ever did for me was…
Every single 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 God has the perfect plan for my life and that he wants me to be happy. The second is staying true to myself and the third is I am a lot stronger than I thought.
If there is a piece of advice I could give to my fellow Western girlfriends who are into the AMWF relationships that would be…
Make sure you and your significant another share the same values, faith, trust and respect for each others culture. I believe those are the keys to having a successful and wonderful relationship. Don’t get sad and upset when you and your partner are away from each other, just think of it as only temporary.
Questions to Him
Asking Her out for the first time was…
I did not plan at that time but after my track practice in high school, we decided to hang out and I was hungry. I asked her that if she wants Korean food, we should go there. So it happened.
I learned She is right for me when…
I missed her. Before I went to cruise, we hung out couple times and that was it. After I got on the boat, I started missing her so I realized she I right for me.
I had culture shock when She…
She has never done culture shock thing I think. I had a host family before I met her, so I knew pretty much everything about this culture.
3 things I love about Her are…
beauty, friendly/kind, and humorous…
The biggest misconception about Her country and culture was…
I thought in America, guys do not ask girls they like to be their girlfriends. I found you are supposed to ask.
The things that She likes to do for fun with me 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 by phone only. It was hard but you have to trust each other and talk a lot.
If there is a piece of advice I could give to my fellow Asian friends who are into the AMWF relationships that would be…
I know Koreans for sure. Mostly, they look at girls’ beauty first and that is not good. Maybe it would be good for few moments but beauty does not bring you anything. You got to keep talking to girls and find who is right for you. Her culture is a bit different I think because people are not judged by their appearance that much. Having confidence is the most important thing.