I like looking out of open windows, feeling the breeze on my face and listening to the different sounds around me. I like taking in the scenery. I like stopping to look at the moon, to see how much of it is peaking out of the clouds. I like watching the foam of the waves on a beach and listening to the crash of the waves on the shore. I like seeing pinwheels spinning in the wind. I like watching the sun set at the end of yet another beautiful day. This blog is a simple collection of beautiful things around me. Life has been rather colorful the past few months for me, and as some of you may know, some of the most colorful parts have come with dating. The dating life is definitely different from the single one, and dating David makes it even more challenging… err… interesting. I need to be careful. He reads every post — and has something to say about every single one! I think one of the biggest reasons why we get on so well is that at the end of the day, despite us being two very flawed people, there is a clear desire to please God. This helps guide us and keep our pride in check, which we both have a lot of. A common exchange goes like this: Person: Do you have a boyfriend? Person: Is he also here? Person: As in full Filipino? Every culture has amazing things, not so amazing things, irritating things, and even ugly things. So while culture and background are definitely influential in shaping a person, we should be looking at what values were shaped and adopted in that person more than what nationality the person was chosen by God to have. Because the beauty is that you may have someone who loves his family yet is mature on his own and can make independent choices. To break it down… People tend to have a long list of characteristics they would like in a partner. However often we fail to look at ourselves first. If the kind of guy we would like met us, would they like us? Would they respect us? And I think respecting each other is very important. Are we the type of person he would be excited to bring home to meet his parents? Do we posess the qualities he needs and wants in a lifetime partner? These are more difficult questions to answer. I have to admit, even I find myself getting insecure about these things at times. I love the Philippines, and one of the main reasons, as I have written before in one of my blog posts, is that I love the people here. But as with any nationality, if you go to the wrong places, you will most likely find the wrong guy. Where should we look then? The Bible tells us where. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. For now, embrace who you are, whoever you are, seek God for the answers to your questions, and be open to anything instead of relying on generalities. You never know what beautiful surprise will present itself. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. We attract people of similar values and while we may be attracted to things superficially, the further they are from what is truly important to us, the less attractive they become to us. It helps that we share core values already. And good point about the fans. I am Dutch and dated and married a 100% Filipino guy. So if you ever need some one to talk to who has been there, done that, please get in touch! PS I have friends who have also dated and married 100% Filipino guys. God bless - Nov 13th, 2014 Hi Yasmin, I like your blog, I just stumbled upon it this morning. Maybe we can meet one of these days. I know that the Lord asks us to put Him first, and of you do that, everything else will fall into place. You are an encouragement. Yasmin Perucchetti - Nov 20th, 2015 Hi Lauren. Thanks for you comment and feedback. It can be difficult when so many people have many different opposing opinions, especially when they come from people we love. For me I just take all the advice in, pray about each one and at the end of the day God speaks to us about our lives, and sometimes what other people think is right or not right for us is not actually the case as only God knows our real story, sometimes their opinions are right. Just makes sure we try our best in everything we do and seeks God blessings in everything we do ab - Nov 19th, 2015 I also am dating a 100% Filipino man. We share the sames values. From reading your posts you really enjoy living in the Philippines. I spent two months wandering around the country and was based in Manila inbetween where my boyfriend lives. I really enjoy his family but I also enjoy doing things by myself. Do you have any insight on how you have adjusted to living in the Philippines and getting comfortable in the culture? The family culture here is very tight so I know what you are saying. Honestly I think this is where it comes down to you relationship with you partner. For me I would make sure I always hear and respect the opinions of family members. This will save potential pain later on. I would suggest setting schedules of when you will have private time, when you will have family time etc, and stick to them exceptions for special events You can always adjust in the future.. Anonymous - Jan 16th, 2016 Hello! We met by mere coincidence. We are both Christian and share the same values. His family is amazing and he treats me wonderfully. I am extremely happy…. Especially with the prospect of marriage in the future. I love my family dearly, but I love my boyfriend as well, if not more. In the end I hope they will come to realize our feelings and that I am happy and just understand without hostility. Yasmin Perucchetti - Feb 9th, 2016 Hi! Regarding your situation it is obviously important to honor your parents and keep your relationship with them strong while respecting their opinions. I would hear them out and make sure you agree to really think about the advice they are giving you. Regarding your relationship, if you are not in a hurry to get married, I would take it slow. Enjoy the dating stage of the relationship and getting to know each other. It may help your parents to have time to adjust before you make any serious commitments, and then at least they can see you are taking the time to get to know each other while testing out the concerns your parents have brought to light. At the end of the day, this is you and your partners choice as you will be building a life together if you take that step. I hope that somewhat helped you.. Just checking whether they share the same love for God, and have the same values was my starting point, and the most important. I wish you all the best for any future relationship, and thanks for your comments, I do enjoy the feedback.
