Situation: Johann was an extraordinarily handsome young man in his mid-twenties. He was visiting in the home of friends of mine, invited by their daughter, Betsy. They had met in Austria where Betsy had spent a semester abroad, as part of her college experience. Betsy was attractive but paled beside Johann. I couldn't help but notice that Johann paid very little attention to Betsy but looked over and flirted with every other female in the room. Johann spoke very understandable English and touted that he was really wanting to come to America and live. Betsy was obviously smitten with Johann.
After the visit of several weeks, Johann returned to Austria with hopes that Betsy would soon follow. Betsy and her mother, my dear friend, asked me what I thought of the young man. (I've never before or since been asked about a prospective spouse from any person other than family members!) I told them that I felt 'bad feelings' about Johann, that he had more enthusiasm about coming to America than about Betsy.
Outcome: Betsy never visited Johann. I think she agreed with what her mother and I thought of him.
Lessons learned: There are many women from small towns in Kentucky who have foreign husbands. I have no idea whether or not their marriages are happy, but judging from the patients I had when I was working as a nurse, I saw much abuse of the women. I have no idea how long one has to be married to an American to become a legal citizen.
Oh, Lord, sometimes I wonder if we women will ever learn to wait until love develops and not settle for anything less in a marriage! Teach us how, we pray! And, while you're at it, Lord, teach this to the men also!
Thanks very much for your comment! This was valuable to me, especially, because most of the foreign men around where I live are from Mexico, Central & South America. There were quite a few Chinese, Indian, & Arab men & women where I worked, but the great majority had spouses of their own nationality.
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