Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jeweltone]

OK, the details...

I was foolish enough to fall in love in Korea, but the timing wasn't right. I had just gotten out of a relationship when a truly amazing American man, whom I had met earlier and kept in touch with, called me out of the blue. He was more into me than I was capable of being into him at the time, but our friendship remained strong, and gradually, I fell in love. Our "status" was always that of "just friends"; that said, people did note that we had an "old married couple" relationship. Was there attraction? Absolutely. But the timing was never right for things to progress very far.

I did not acknowledge my love until the last day before I left Korea. The moment was somewhat ruined by my ex-boyfriend (Korean) showing up drunk the night before the last meeting with my new secret love and...things happened. At this point an emotional wreck, I remember my heart breaking and yet feeling somehow powerless to stop the events of that ridiculous evening/morning. I was also a bit amused at the whim of fate, to be quite honest.

Even so, I did confess my feelings to the American that afternoon, and we exchanged a gentle kiss, in the rain, on the Saturday morning streets of Itaewon. He left for Vietnam soon after, and I returned to Korea a month later.

For me, love grows out of friendship. An initial attraction to someone quickly fades if their personality is not attractive.

That said, I am hurting a bit tonight because of an abortive attempt at romance. I would not call it heartbreak because I do not know him well except in passing, although I have known him casually for close to a year. Even so, it still stings a bit that he has not called me for a week, after a first date that seemd to go quite well. I do not give my heart easily, so I expect it will pass. As all things do.

So bring on the wine, violins, and wilted yellow roses. Don't forget the cheese either!

[Draz]