Belonging Over Beauty

In England, I learned that men live under the woman's shoe. My supervisor invited

me for lunch. Her husband came in, didn't speak, and just sat reading

a newspaper while we ate. I was terrified, thinking he was jealous.

But when we finished, he just got up, collected our plates, and started washing the dishes.

Another time, a beautiful married nurse showed interest in me. I stupidly asked,

"You're married and with a foreign man?" She never spoke to me again.

I experienced racism, but also kindness. In the end, I chose to go home. A simple life where

you belong is better than a beautiful country where its people don't want you.