My move from the US to Paris has come with a lot of benefits, but finding love has felt impossible
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Naydeline Mejia’s journey from New York to Paris, once envisioned as a romantic escape, has been marked by unexpected challenges in finding love. Despite the allure of the City of Love, language barriers and cultural differences in dating norms have made forming meaningful connections difficult. Mejia, who speaks French at an intermediate level, finds herself navigating a world where communication often feels strained, especially during dates with non-native English speakers or those less comfortable switching between languages. This linguistic hurdle, combined with differing relationship customs—such as the lack of clear labels like "friends with benefits" or "exclusive"—has left her feeling disoriented and unsure about her standing in potential relationships.
The cultural divide extends to how intimacy is expressed. In Paris, public displays of affection are common even in casual settings, which contrasts sharply with Mejia’s American upbringing where boundaries and labels are often discussed before any form of commitment. This mismatch has made it harder for her to gauge the depth of connections and has led her to question whether she might find more success in rekindling her love life back in New York. While she acknowledges that dating was not necessarily easier in the U.S., she sees returning home as a potential solution, where shared language and cultural norms could foster deeper emotional bonds.
From a business perspective, Mejia’s experience highlights the broader challenges of adapting to new cultural environments, whether for work or personal life. Her story underscores the importance of understanding cultural nuances when navigating international contexts, be it in business negotiations, team dynamics, or personal relationships. While Paris has offered her professional growth and a slower pace of living, the emotional landscape has proven more challenging. Yet, she remains open to overcoming these obstacles, recognizing that meaningful connections can transcend cultural barriers if both parties are willing to adapt and grow.
Ultimately, Mejia’s reflections on love and belonging in a foreign land offer insight into the complexities of cross-cultural adaptation. Her journey not only sheds light on the personal struggles of finding love abroad but also serves
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026