In an increasingly complex world, staying connected to each other can be challenging, hence the goal of this newsletter is to provide you with practical ideas through shared captures of French life bonding moments, and more.
Relationships with my cousins have been blessed with balmy days, though we've encountered some benign glitches along the way. Three of us are around the same age: L., Dj. and I. Since birth, we’ve shared everything, from candies to keys, from stroller to zapper, from wedges to sleds.
The youngest, L., is the most well-traveled. Thanks to his hobbies, studies, and adventurous propensity, he has likely skimmed no fewer than 20 countries. Until recently, he planned to set himself up in the Middle East because of an opportunity there. Needless to say, I was taken aback when he announced his engagement to his two-year girlfriend, Y., whom I hadn’t met yet. It was arduous to wrap my head around the idea of his impending betrothal and marriage, par extension. Other than a couple of glimpses from afar at extended family gatherings, his now-spouse and I hadn’t had the opportunity to pause and frontally get to know each other until last week.
Speed Cousin-ing
Though I’ve always considered myself close to L., he has been equally compendious with his dating history and sporadic with romantic updates. We’ve never been ones to discuss whom we would like to spend our tender days with. Not that we have stringent criteria, but such choices merit careful attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness. Our grandmother was among the first to know. She had stayed at the hospital for a routine check-up and, upon learning the news, was over the moon and energized, leveling her hands to the sky. ‘Alright, doctor, I’m all charged now. Let me out!’. Her confidence in his decision was palpable, despite its seemingly sudden nature.
With the hurly-burly preparation before D-Day and our respective schedules between Paris and Reims, our meeting had to be postponed until the dust settled. For the occasion, lunch at a Vietnamese in the Saint Augustin district was suggested. The environment there is lively, with streets adorned by well-framed flower displays.
We continued texting to coordinate our meeting time and keep the other informed of any delays. I arrived early and glanced to my left. There she was, having exchanged her red traditional wedding dress for plain navy-blue clothes, beaming with a smile.
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Sweet tooth
I already like her. We make a superb pair, sharing a mutual love for Earth’s bountiful harvest. She was delighted to try Vietnamese cuisine and its multi-hued dishes. We concluded our lunch on a sweet note by stopping at a nearby cookie shop. Sitting in front of the shop window, we paused and basked in the sun, gallantly donning our sunglasses. Slowly savoring our treat, we allowed the chocolatey sweetness to unfold. A flowery bike was parked close by.
Many questions were asked: What did she like? How did she occupy her days? What were her plans for the future? Interestingly, the focus was entirely on her and us, rather than on her and my cousin.
Y. had been living in Paris before tying the knot. Now settled in Reims, Champagne, she had grown comfortable after stumbling upon a couple of preferred venues. This again highlights my advocacy on the value of discovering personal sanctuaries and third spaces to ground oneself, connect, and cultivate balance. On a side note, she recommended a noteworthy bakery address in Reims’ suburbs where we hope to meet next. Our paths paralleled in academia, and Y. had been working for just over a year, already contemplating a career change to work closely with people, providing active support and assistance.
She has such a smile
It is said that to spot couples, one must look for them smiling in the exact same manner, mirroring each other in synchronized harmony. L. and Y. both have a knack for making people feel comfortable. They prioritize family and stability while also welcoming timely new ventures in. She has such a smile. I am glad to see they do both - notably from a picture of them socializing with an elephant.
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✍️ Tell me…
How are your relationships with extended family ?
How do you typically stay connected with them ?
Do you have friends who feel like family through adoption ?
This is such a sweet and heartwarming reflection on meeting a new member of your extended family 😊 “It is said that to spot couples, one must look for them smiling in the exact same manner, mirroring each other in synchronized harmony.”—I’ve never heard this saying before but it’s so true now that I think of the couples I know! and I loved the reaction from your grandmother!! thanks for a great read