This is how things are different:
I'm in America, for the first time in my life.
I technically visited Germany.
I am typing this out on a Macbook Air that I bought in dollars.
I will not be seeing my family for a long while.
It is currently my birthday in another time zone.
This is how things are the same:
I am susceptible to sinus attacks.
I get less productive and conversational as exposure to people intensifies.
Birthdays remain mostly disappointing.
***
After the first Skype call with my parents, I immediately identify how our overseas relationship will be. Mostly text-based, we'll all avoid Skype as much as is possible. I remember once again that I don't constantly miss people -- this is perhaps the greatest gift my family has given me, and where our strength lies.
Of course, well meaning people keep wagging a finger and admonish: you must not dismiss things, you never know.
But sometimes, you do. And not making mistakes is dependent on you finally knowing a few things.
***
All families are complicated and tension-wrought. Some more than the others.
***
I'm learning how to balance my irritation with constant company and no personal space with gratitude for being so warmly welcomed into another family, temporarily, on another whole continent.
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