Love Across Borders: 3 Intercultural Couples Reveal Their Secrets To Connection
In a world of increased mobility and cultural exchange, more and more couples are forging relationships across borders. However, while falling in love may be universal, staying in love across languages, traditions, and societal expectations takes something more.
As a matchmaker working with international professionals across Europe, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging, yet beautiful, intercultural connection can be. That’s why I created Love Across Borders: a storytelling project that brings visibility to real couples navigating love between cultures.
Here’s what 3 of the inspiring couples I met have shared with me about why their love stories are not only beautiful, but built to last.
1. Shared values matter more than shared passports
Whether it was Gabriela and Rasmus blending Danish hygge with the Brazilian passion for football, or Dominique and Mengshi balancing South African openness with Taiwanese reserve, each couple stressed the importance of values over nationality. Humour, family, communication – when those align, culture becomes a bridge, not a barrier.
2. Communication takes practice
Niamh, an Irish expat in Berlin, told me how she and her German fiancé Nik overcame linguistic misunderstandings with patience and understanding. “We over-communicate,” she said. “It’s the only way to stay on the same page.” Whether you’re navigating emotions or trying to decode puzzling idioms, open and honest communication is crucial.
3. Curiosity is the secret ingredient
Instead of seeing differences as obstacles, the strongest couples view them as opportunities to learn. Dominique summed it up: “Adopt your partner’s culture with real interest. Learn their language, ask about their childhood, and stay curious.” That mindset is the key to growing as a couple.
Read the full inspiring and thought-provoking stories on the blog on our website. As we prepare to reopen submissions for Love Across Borders this autumn, we invite anyone who has found love across cultures to get in touch by email and share their story.
If you’re looking for that kind of meaningful connection yourself, book a free consultation with our professional matchmakers to learn more about how we help globally-minded singles find fulfilling relationships.
