Our story begins when we both took a chance on a dating app and swiped right. From the very beginning we have been honest and upfront with each other which has been a key foundation to our relationship. I remember we both asked each other after our first coffee date of how each of us could improve on our first impressions/dates. (Who does this anymore?) It helped us to put into perspective how the date itself went and our honest impressions of each other. After this, we ended up talking almost every day after.
Four months after meeting, Shin had to go back to southern California to finish out his schooling and we had a long-distance relationship for the next year and a half. This was not the easiest thing to do, but we made sure to video chat or call each other almost every day. Having a long-distance relationship for a while allowed us to have better communication with one another and explore more of each other on a more personal level than just physical. This experience made our bond/relationship stronger in the long run. Eventually after discussions, concerns, and expectations of blending our family, we made the decision to move in together and the rest of our story begins.
***
When the Pandemic hit, we came to the realization that we needed to change our lifestyle. A 9-5 job was not something we were both truly happy doing. So, we began on our journey to find an alternative income. We browsed around and remembered that when we were trying to plan our wedding, we couldn’t find any relatable content on blending a Japanese and American families or the struggles they may go through. We found it!
From the start we have been supportive of each other. We want to see each other succeed and grow into that version of ourselves that makes us happy (not what makes everyone else happy). It is not always easy and it is definitely never dull around here (with two kids, fulltime jobs, and trying new things we may not have had the courage to try before). One thing we do know is that we will both be there for each other no matter what.
