Deeper feelings 

It has been 12 years since they married, but they still have countless words to say and often stay up to chat. 

"We never lost the feelings for each other and they keep growing and deeper as days come and go," said Tian. 

They are the most compatible couple in the eyes of their relatives, colleagues and neighbors. Although they come from and grew up in totally different cultures and backgrounds, the difference brought more fun to their lives than trouble. 

"While travelling in China, we spent an evening in a public bath. Chinese people seem to be much more comfortable exposing themselves in public than what I am used to," Doug said. 

And other fun story Tian told is that they have friends who are also in a transnational relationship, but theirs is between a Chinese man and an American woman. When they go out as two couples, people often mistake who is with whom. 

"I don't think cultural differences create friction in our lives. We spend a considerable amount of time in open communication," Doug said. 

"We have similar beliefs on most topics and come to a quick compromise on any disagreements that may come up. Any frictions that arise tend to be basic things all couples will encounter." 

But Doug still says that he needs time to accept some Chinese habits, such as the way Chinese people tend to speak very loudly and forcefully to each other. 

"There have been many occasions where I thought Esha and her mom were arguing, when actually they were just discussing a dinner plan or ideas for the day. I'm still not sure why basic conversations have to be spoken so loudly," he said.