| Speaking of China

June 21, 2013June 20, 2013

Fenshou: Dreams of a Romantic Fairy Tale Kiss

Longtime readers will recognize the name Sveta, who is one of the most active commenters on this site. She also blogs about her latest reads on her book review blog (where she reviews a variety of books , including titles featuring with Asian men and Western women in love).

She shared with me this story of how she met a young Chinese PhD student via myspace, which eventually led to one extraordinary kiss — and, later, a sudden end to their month-long courtship. Thank you for submitting your story, Sveta! Continue reading “Fenshou: Dreams of a Romantic Fairy Tale Kiss”

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June 7, 2013June 7, 2013

Fenshou: “We Were Soulmates”

“Sara” (not her real name) met a Chinese man online, and soon came to think of him as her soulmate. But even though he loved her deeply, he ultimately felt that she “deserved a better man.” Read on, and thanks to Sara for sharing! Continue reading “Fenshou: “We Were Soulmates””

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May 24, 2013May 24, 2013

Fenshou: When Mary Met Yao

“Mary” met Yao while at university. And while a series of misunderstandings eventually got in the way of their relationship, she wrote: “I don’t regret getting to know him and being a small part of his life. I feel that my experience dating him has made me grow as a person.” Thanks for sharing your story, Mary! Continue reading “Fenshou: When Mary Met Yao”

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May 10, 2013May 7, 2013

Fenshou: “I Hope He Can Forgive Me”

“Jane” (not her real name) wrote that she hopes this one Chinese man will forgive her for her mistakes and missteps. And while I feel she’s very hard on herself, her story might give you a different insight into why some cross-cultural relationships in China don’t work out. Continue reading “Fenshou: “I Hope He Can Forgive Me””

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April 12, 2013July 19, 2013

Fenshou: “I Was Once Engaged to a Chinese Man”

When I called for submissions a couple of weeks ago, never did I imagine the overwhelming response from readers. Literally within days of posting, the submissions started rolling in.

The first I received was this piece from a woman with the nickname “Smallsquirrel”. It is a poignant and thoughtfully penned story of how her engagement to a Chinese man from a prominent Beijing family eventually ended. I’m honored to kick off my new series — which I’m calling “Fenshou” from the pinyin for the Chinese word for breakup — with what I’ve titled “I Was Once Engaged to a Chinese Man.” Continue reading “Fenshou: “I Was Once Engaged to a Chinese Man””

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