Moving to another country for love is romantic, adventurous and very, very hard. As the spouse of a local, you do have a leg up in many ways. But you still have to adjust to a foreign land, create a new life and integrate into a different society.
I confess that my French is not as far along as I would like. But when people here in Paris find out I am married to a Frenchman, many are quick to scold me for not speaking French at home with my husband.
When the person you love comes from a different country, there are challenges to your relationship that most couples take for granted.
You’re invited to a French mariage in a castle. Awesome! Before you go, there are a few key differences between American and French weddings to learn. Know what to expect so you can be a good guest.
Ahh the Trophy Wife. The young, beautiful but vapid status symbol for her older, less attractive and wealthy husband. In U.S. and the U.K., this is a well-known concept. So why doesn’t the Trophy Wife translate to France?
Some French baby names are very “en vogue” right now in America (Camille, Chloé, Olivier), and others are eternally chic (Juliette, Brigitte, Louis). But some interesting French names won’t be topping American baby name lists anytime soon.
My own French love story was an accident. I had no girlhood obsession with Paris, no special feelings for French culture, no Eiffel Tower prints in my apartment. I didn’t even eat cheese until I started dating the Frenchman who became my husband.
Okay fine, we all knew Belle speaks French (Bonjour!), but it is a bit jarring at first to hear Mickey, Captain Hook and Wendy from Peter Pan en française when you go to Disneyland Paris.