I have been in several relationships before my current one, but I have never before had a girlfriend actually meet either of my parents. While I have talked about my previous girlfriends with them and received advice or shared my experiences, it’s a very different thing. I have had several conversations in the past...
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to become a parent. I’m not sure when the desire popped into my head, or why. All I know is that it’s been the only thing in my life that I’ve wanted for so long. When I was younger, it was just a fantasy life...
Lately, I’ve been learning a lot about pacing in a relationship. In the past, I didn’t pay much attention to how certain activities either sped up or slowed down a relationship. Nor did I really think about what that meant. This led to me, unintentionally, sending mixed signals to previous dating partners. I didn’t...
This may come as a surprise to you, my lovely readers, but my Japanese friends are mostly in their 40s or older. Those of you that have read my earlier posts would know that I have a rather narrow definition of friend, as I’ve talked about it in once or twice before. For those...
My entire life, my mother has told me that one day I would “launch.” I always thought launching meant that I would go off on my own and become my own man. I would find my career path and build a life for myself entirely separate from her and my dad. Now that I’m...
As some of you might be aware, I like romance. In all of my relationships, I try my best to be romantic with dates and romantic in how I express myself. In Japan, however, the culture is different. Expressions of affection and romance aren’t normal. In fact, compliments and positivity in that form is...
Ever since I was young, I have had bad sleeping habits. I would often stay awake far later than my bedtime, usually reading a book under the covers and using the light from my Gameboy to do so. Yes, I had a Gameboy, and I used it to read books instead of playing the...
When I date, one of my most common date plans (once I’m close with the person) is to do something cool, then invite them to my house to eat dinner. My first invitation is always with me planning to cook for the girl. Usually, this leads to them offering to help me cook whatever...
Some of you may know, but many of you probably don’t, that I graduated college when I was 16. I skipped junior high and high school, and I entered into my bachelor’s program at the age of 12. I studied online while living here in Japan. Graduating early gave me quite a few opportunities...
With December and January, and the heart of winter, arriving in Japan, illuminations are a common and popular event. There are illumination events that get hundreds to thousands of people a year in Nagoya. I am one of the many fans of these light show events, and I have been to quite a few...