Dear Korea,
I’m going to be honest with you–because all healthy relationships are built on trust, right? Korea… you’re my rebound.
I just got out of a long-term relationship. Honestly, it was a very tumultuous relationship. At times even abusive. But I loved Senegal with all my heart and gave everything I had to our relationship.
It was an amazing two years. In fact, the best two years of my life.
And while it was my decision to leave, I still yern for the way I felt when I was there. Some days it takes all my strength to stop from running back into his hot, sub-Saharan embrace.
But I know that things are different now. I am not the same person I was when Senegal and I first got together. And now I need to move on with my life. To meet new places and experience new things. That’s why I’ve decided to take a chance with you, Korea.
I’m not making any promises. The outlook for rebound relationships usually isn’t great. And as far as commitment goes, Senegal was my first real long-term relationship. You see, I’m usually more inclined to short-term flings. A semester with London in college, 10 day trist with Mali, a one night stand with Munich.
But just because you are the rebound doesn’t mean that I’m not open to the possibility of our relationship becoming more.
And who knows? Maybe I’ll fall in love with the rebound… with you. I’m willing to take a chance on us. Are you?
Affectionately,
–a girl with gumption
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
You are going to fall head over heels with this amazing country! Welcome to Korea –the beautiful country I’ve been having a love affair with for 9 months.
I hope so Alyssa! It’s hard to fall in love when your heart is broken. But copious amounts of soju and a real roof over my head just might make it easier…
I’m so excited for you! When do you leave? Which city are you going to? How long are you going for? SO MANY QUESTIONS!
Thanks Edna! I’m leaving next week (if all goes well with my paperwork–fingers crossed).
I signed a contract to work at a hagwon, a private language academy. The contract is for 1 year–but I’m hoping that I like Asia enough to stick around for awhile (ahem, the financial/employment opportunities are certainly better than Africa…)
I’m sure you will — I know too many people who said “I’ll just be here a year” and four years later, I look on facebook and they’re STILL there. Most of these people are, not surprisingly, in Korea…the pay really is spectacular I’ve heard.
You will totally have an amazing! Developed countries make it easier to fall in love with them I think, abundant coffee and convenient stores on every corner… I hope to go back and visit my first love affair while your there :)
I hope so! I’m super excited to being living in a city again. I hope that Seoul charms me.
I hope I love it as much as you did/do.
Wahoo! How exciting. I’ve only visited Seoul so far, but I’ve absolutely loved the short time I’ve spent in Korea. In fact, Korea’s definitely on my “Places to Live in Asia Even Though I’ve Totally Told Myself a Million Times I’m Leaving Asia Already.” Everyone has that list, right?
Yeah, Wuxi is totally on my list like that…
I’ve never been to (the eastern, “real”) Asia so we’ll see how well this goes. So far I’ve learned to say “I want soju” and “I’m an idiot” in Korean. So I’m pretty optimistic.
That’s all you need, really. You’ll be grand.
HAHHAAHA! too funny, personally, I fell in love with London, im finding it difficult to continue my relationship with London, becuase of the “powers above” but I have realised that if its not meant to be with me and London I will move on, knowing what I lvoe in London I can find in places like New York… Is it bad if im looking for a new love, before giving it my all with my first love?
Best of luck with this new relationship, im sure Senegal will understand and wish you the best!
Korea? How exciting!! What are you gonna do there?
Haha! Ahhh how exciting! I hope Korea turns from a dirty cheap one night stand into real love xxx
Hopefully I wont have one of those awkward moments in the morning where I’m not sure if I am supposed leave money on the nightstand…
Oh I can’t wait to find out how this is all going … rebound? yes? no? yes? no?
Hilariously engaging! I hope you love Korea, but I know the feeling. I left Thailand after nearly seven months for China and, like boyfriends, I can’t stop comparing the two. I hope China will forgive me.