Asia has been good to my ego. Living in the region for the past seven years, I’ve received many compliments; some that seem frivolous and others that are deeply meaningful. No matter what, praise makes me feel special.

People in Asia have admired:

  • My height (but not my weight)
  • My fair skin (but not my freckles)
  • My nationality
  • My American English
  • My educational background
  • My alma maters
  • My son (especially those that still prefer boys over girls)
  • My husband
  • My home (not the decor per se, but where we live)
  • My lifestyle (as a stay-at-home mom)

Once we move to London, few of these things will impress anyone. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some actually invite scorn.

As my friend WHLK said, we’ll finally have a “normal” life again.

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