What Being Married To A Non-Latino Has Taught Me

There are a couple of things I’ve learned being in an interracial and intercultural relationship and for some reason, Hispanic Heritage Month seems to always highlight those lessons each year that goes by.

For context – (and Lance knows this) – I had never seen myself married to a white guy. 🙈 I used to be set on finding someone who was Latino. Someone that I didn’t have to explain myself or my culture to. Someone I can speak Spanish with, crack jokes that only Latinos would get, fight the power with, dance the night away with… Someone who just gets it.” I’m pretty sure I’ve even shared that with you all here on Instagram before, too!

…and then comes Lance.
So let’s go over these things I’ve learned, shall we?

I’ve found that I fall more and more in love with him each time he gets it wrong, but tries so hard to get it right. Tiene su propio sabor, and I love him for it.

I admire him for encouraging and reminding Penelope of the things I’ve taught her about being Latina, while also eager to teach her things he has learned from his own upbringing.

I’ve found that it’s somewhat of an adventure to unpack each other’s cultural differences. Is it always fun? No lol Is it sometimes frustrating? Yes. I mean, what would you expect? I was raised my whole life in a home thinking that what I was taught is the right way and the only way to do things, my way or the highway. But no, that’s not the real world. And no matter who I would have ended up with, no matter the race, no matter his culture, I’m sure there would have been some sort of difference to unpack. But with Lance, it’s an adventure I look forward to unpacking for the rest of our lives.

I’ve found that I actually LOVE explaining my culture to Lance. Because from day 1, he has shown much appreciation for my culture. Could it be that he was sort of trying to find himself and connect with his own roots? (His grandfather and beyond are of Mexican decent) Possibly. But to see in his eyes how genuinely interested he is in Latino culture, language, music, food, dance, etc brings so much comfort to me as a Latina.

Love you, Esposo
and thank you for loving all of me.