The Hardest Part of Moving to Mexico as a Couple (1.5 Years Later)

Summary

In this candid conversation, a couple reflects on their journey of relocating to Mexico, navigating language barriers, and adapting to a new culture. They discuss the challenges of being away from family and friends, the importance of patience in their relationship, and the growth they've experienced together. Emphasizing the sacrifices and rewards of living abroad, they share how the experience deepens their appreciation for personal connections and cultural learning. Despite the difficulties, they encourage others to take the leap and embrace the transformative power of living in a new country.

Takeaways

• 😀 The shift to a single-income household allowed more quality time together, which was highly valued and appreciated.
• 😀 Despite having a tighter budget, the couple feels grateful for the opportunity to spend more time together and strengthen their bond.
• 😀 The husband's support for his wife learning Spanish is unconditional, emphasizing the importance of patience and encouragement in learning a new language.
• 😀 The wife appreciates the husband's understanding and encouragement when she makes mistakes while speaking Spanish, which helps her build confidence.
• 😀 Growing up with an immigrant mother has given the husband a deep empathy for the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a foreign culture.
• 😀 The couple has experienced a cultural shift by moving to Pachuca, Mexico, where there are fewer English speakers, making it harder to form deep friendships.
• 😀 Distance from family and friends has made the couple value their relationships back home more and realize the importance of maintaining those bonds.
• 😀 Being in a different country has made it clear that friendships and relationships are harder to maintain from afar, and they miss the ease of spontaneous socializing.
• 😀 The couple encourages others considering a move to a new country to view it as an opportunity for personal growth, even if it means stepping outside of one's comfort zone.
• 😀 Living abroad can teach lessons about culture, humility, kindness, and love, offering a deeper appreciation for life and people, even if the experience is short-term.

Q & A

How did the transition to a single income impact their relationship?

The shift to a single income, where only one partner (the husband) worked while the wife stayed home, allowed for more time spent together. This change was appreciated as it strengthened their bond and led to a greater sense of gratitude for the time they had with each other.

What was the husband's perspective on supporting his wife in learning Spanish?

The husband showed great patience and compassion towards his wife’s efforts to learn Spanish. He appreciated her attempts and never made her feel embarrassed about making mistakes. He actively supported her practice while also gently correcting errors, which created a supportive learning environment.

Why does the husband express compassion for his wife’s language-learning experience?

The husband empathizes with his wife's language-learning journey because of his own experiences with his mother, who migrated to the U.S. and had to learn English. He understands the challenges and sacrifices involved in adapting to a new language and culture, which makes him more patient and supportive.

How has living abroad influenced their perception of relationships back home?

Living abroad has made them value family and friendships more, especially since physical distance makes spontaneous visits or chats difficult. They’ve realized how much they took for granted the ability to casually meet up or talk to loved ones, and now, with those connections further away, they feel a deeper appreciation for them.

What challenge does the wife face in connecting with people in Pachuka?

The wife struggles to connect with locals in Pachuka because most people there don’t speak English, and although she’s trying to improve her Spanish, it’s difficult to form deeper friendships due to the language barrier. This isolation has been one of the biggest challenges of their move.

How does the husband describe the challenge of leaving behind friends and family when moving abroad?

The husband acknowledges that one of the biggest sacrifices of moving to a new country is leaving behind close relationships. While they can make new friends locally, it’s hard to recreate the depth and familiarity of the long-standing relationships they had back home. This adjustment can be emotionally difficult, especially in a place that feels unfamiliar.

What advice does the husband give to people considering moving to a new country?

He advises people to approach the experience as something that doesn’t have to be permanent. If you don’t like it after a year, you can always move back. However, even short-term experiences abroad can teach valuable lessons about culture, kindness, humility, and love—things that can be learned back home but often at a faster pace when immersed in a new environment.

How does slow travel contribute to the cultural experience of living abroad?

Slow travel allows individuals to experience a local community on a deeper level. It encourages learning about the culture, customs, and people over time, rather than rushing through the experience. This type of travel can significantly enhance the understanding of the place and its people, providing a richer and more fulfilling experience.

What emotional insight does the wife share about missing family and friends?

The wife reflects that not being able to simply grab a coffee with family or friends and chat as they did before has made her realize how much she values those simple moments. It’s something she didn’t fully appreciate until it was no longer so easy to do.

What was the couple’s initial consideration before choosing to move to Mexico?

Before settling on Mexico, they briefly considered Portugal due to its relatively easy visa process. However, they ultimately chose Mexico because they were able to gain citizenship, which provided additional benefits for their long-term plans.