Stories of Riia - Multicultural Marriage, Identity Shifts, and the Weight of Living Abroad

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Riia shares her journey of living in a multicultural relationship, raising a child in "neutral territory" (neither hers nor her partner's), and navigating the complexities of identity and emotional challenges that come with being a "trailing partner," a term neither of us likes. She discusses the importance of cultural traditions, language dynamics, and the guilt often felt by expats. Through her experiences, Riia highlights the resilience and personal growth that can emerge from these challenges, ultimately defining home as the people we choose to surround ourselves with.During our discussion, Riia shares:how living in a multicultural relationship has impacted how she sees the world and has required compromises;how living in a neutral territory allows both partners to learn and struggle together, creating a strong partnership;how the pressure of being a "trailing partner" often goes unrecognized, despite the emotional labor involved;the guilt she feels about not being close to her family and the impact on her child;how expat life is not always glamorous; it comes with its own set of challenges and emotional struggles;the complexities of language dynamics in a multicultural family;her definition of home.An extremely open and honest conversation about the many aspects, positive and negative, of living a global life, many of which often go unseen.You can find more about Riia and her experiences on her Instagram page.Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving!For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese