Dawn P. Says:
How do I convince my wife to move overseas?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Dawn,
While I don’t think you should try to talk anybody into doing anything they don’t want to, there are some things you can do to get your partner on board with the idea if they are a little hesitant.
Involve them in the planning. Make sure you’re both as informed as possible and involved in the decision making. Spend time together and separately searching through online forums and other resources. If your motivation is economic, make sure you both understand what’s going on with your financial situation.
Compromise with a “no strings attached” test drive. Nothing is scarier than cutting the ties completely. If your partner is reluctant to do that, consider giving the new life a test drive. Before you sell your house or buy that one-way ticket, rent an apartment in the new locale for three months or more.
Don’t sugarcoat the challenges. Discuss the difficulties you’ll face along the way, and work together on solutions. For instance, take some foreign language classes before your move. Try out voice and video technologies like Skype so you can easily stay in touch with family and friends. Do some budget planning. There will still be unexpected challenges, but by working together, problem solving can be part of the fun.
Help ease the transition by taking an active approach to learning as much about your new community as you can. Be sure you both have an opportunity to meet other expats and locals with similar interests. (You can do this in advance of your move through online blogs, forums, and websites). And keep busy—this is the perfect opportunity to try something new.
Remember that attitude is everything. When challenges arise, look on the bright side; this experience will likely strengthen your relationship. So support each other and enjoy the adventure.
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