You Know You Are Married To An American When...

Marriage, generally is a life-changing event. Think about how much more it would be if you were married to somebody outside your race and permanently live in a foreign country. I would say that marrying Zach has got to be one of the boldest things that has ever happened to me.

I met my husband the second time I went to the US to visit my grandparents for a holiday. My grandpa made our love story happen to say the least. He went out of his way to look for Zach and made sure that he introduced me to him and have us meet each other. He used to work with my grandpa years ago and when my grandpa found out that I was single and had broken up with my ex boyfriend, he mentioned to me that he knew somebody he used to work with...a decent and nice guy that he would very much want me to meet. I shrugged the idea at the time as I was not really interested. Besides, he could not remember his name so he didn't know how to get a hold of him except for the fact that he knew where he worked.

Our story might raise some inquisitive eyebrows but it's unique and special on its own. We have our own story and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Up to this day, it still amazes me how wonderful life is to be able to share every waking day with somebody I vowed to love and cherish for the rest of my life. (yikes! mushyness overload!)

So here's how you know you are married to an American...

English- Yes. English is widely used in the Philippines and it is the medium of teaching education in schools. And even if I do have a good command of English, still it is not my native tongue and there are just some words in the Tagalog language that have no direct translation in English like "kilig", "makulit" and some more. There is truth to "nose bleed" people. And most especially when you get so fired up in a conversation and you can't really express yourself without uttering something in your own language. This however makes our relationship fun because we strive harder to understand and be understood. I taught my husband to speak basic Tagalog words but he is just taking it one word at a time. It is funny however when he says it in his cute English accent.

Patriotism- Americans are big on patriotism and how they celebrate and honor their veterans and heroes. There are a number of patriotic events that they celebrate like 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and Martin Luther King Day. And obviously, you'll know you are married to an American because they have the American flag hanging outside their houses which we Filipinos don't do because it is a big 'no-no' to just wave the flag in your houses or anywhere else except in schools, government offices and the Malacanang Palace. To Americans however, it is a sign of patriotism and love of their country.

Food- Steaks, burgers, pizza, mac&cheese. American food is great. Not always healthy but great and they always come in big servings. Sodas or pop also known as soft drinks in the Philippines come with free refills. And for the record, Americans love rice! I was surprised that my husband eats rice and loves it! ( not on a daily basis though! hehehe!) Zach loves it when I cook and serve it with other Filipino dishes like ''adobo and 'linaga' and He even cooks 'linaga' for us now!

Affection- being married to an American, I am spoiled. My family and friends say so and I know I am. Hehehe! My husband is thoughtful and sweet and makes sure I am happy and taken cared of. He goes out of his way to please me and take care of my needs. He is smart and generous and chivalrous. He is also a hard worker and industrious. He shows his affection by making sure to give me a kiss before he goes to work, holds my hand when we walk, we cuddle and hug and give each other kisses all the time.

Americans love their pets- They treat them like human persons and take good care of them like people. We have a pet dog named Jazz and she is the most spoiled pet ever. My husband makes sure she gets her shots and doctor's visits, she is fed with good food and she lies down in bed with us when she's being sassy and refuses to lie in her own soft and comfy bed.

Americans open their gifts and cards in front of people- I know. We are used to receiving gifts and cards but traditionally, we wait until we are in private before we open gifts and read cards. Americans will want you to open your gift and read your card when they give it to you. My husband loves to give me cards even on regular days. This is something I love about him because he is the most thoughtful and sweetest person I have ever met.

Americans never go to somebody's house without calling first to see if it's convenient- Not even their parents or family. I was surprised and a bit curious why. In our tradition, a visit from kids or family members is always a welcomed gesture. We are always happy to see our family come over and visit and we don't need to make an appointment to go and visit our own mothers and fathers. But this is just how they roll here.

Toilet paper- Yes. First world problems. No toilet paper means the end of the world. It's true. Americans use toilet paper after they poop! While we have to wash with soap and water when we poop, Americans use toilet paper, people. Yes, they do. And speaking of toilet paper, Americans are weirdly obsessed with paper towels. Other countries swear by brooms, mops and sponges. Americans prefer something more disposable. To dry their hands, soak up their spills and wipe up their counters.

When they put their hands in their hips, they are usually relaxed. When they fold their arms tightly across their chest, they are serious and angry. I guess I do not have to explain that.

Americans believe in freedom of choice- As the biggest and largest Democratic country in the world, Americans are big on freedom as what is stated on their national anthem, the United States is the 'land of the free and the home of the brave'.

Americans follow the rule of law- This is a very admirable trait of Americans. We may view them as people who do whatever they think is right and that they may assert their rights but in general, Americans follow the rule of law. Take for example traffic rules and regulations. My husband is a very law abiding citizen and observes traffic rules when driving even when no one is watching...which by the way, I think should always be done. Littering, graffiti and loitering are against the law and are punishable by fine or jail. Everything around here has a corresponding rule of law and if you you go against it, you have to deal with it.

Being married to an American also helped me discover a lot of things about myself. I am an incredibly independent woman. Always have been. But my husband takes pleasure in helping me fulfill my duties as a daughter to my parents, a sister to my siblings and a responsible citizen in my new home. That is how I knew I found a keeper!

This is all based on my personal experience being married to an American and in no way does it suggest that all American men are this wonderful! Hehehe!

XOXO,

Karen