Amirah and I talk about relationships today and the meanings of those that are casual or intentionally temporary. She is curious. This is a difficult conversation not because of discomfort or judgements but because culturally this is completely unheard of in her country. It was hard to communicate the way dating is here without letting it be easily vilified. She asked why I had not married as yet, since I had told her I’d been in a relationship with my boyfriend for over four years. She had known her husband for less than that and was married with a kid. I navigate this slowly because my conception of marriage and faith is a drastic shift from her own- and I wish to be honest, but I want her to know our different stances are not something that I see as negative on either side. Amirah didn’t seem offended, but I could tell the subject felt weird for her, especially telling her that I lived with him, and we decided to discuss the fun parts- the parties. She showed me the traditional Saudi style of weddings and receptions and the jewelry and we were both enamored.
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