Melanie's Mostly Writing

I’m here at my mother in law’s house with my Korean family, for a meal, the night before Chuseok. It’s so nice to be included as part of the family. My fiance’s relatives care for me very much, and I love them. The smells wafting from the kitchen and the bustle and chatter of the Korean ladies as they prepare the food makes me feel both happy and sad at the same time. I feel glad to be here, but a piece of me longs for my own family even more on these days.

I do feel part of this family, but I will always be a foreigner too. I’m not very good at speaking Korean and sadly, since Covid, I can’t tolerate spicy food, which Koreans eat with such relish. We all went a walk after dinner and ate ice cream. Now I’m squashed on the sofa with everyone watching an 80s singing show. I try to blend in and enjoy everything. A lot of things are similar, but some elements are different. I guess all international couples experience this bittersweet mix of feelings. Sometimes, it’s exciting and fascinating, sharing each other’s culture and customs, exploring things you otherwise would never discover, but sometimes you have a longing for home.