Greetings from Sri Lanka

[RR&MJL 20]

Hi everyone,

It's my first post in this forum which I find really helpful. Please refer my story so you would know what my situation is.

I am going to the United States in coming October on B2 visa, to meet my girlfriend whom I have been in a long distance relationship for the past 2+ years. This will be our first ever physical meeting.

We want to take our relationship to the next level, and if we feel the same way about each other in person too which we are quite sure of (but you'd never know), we are planning to go with the K-1 visa process so I could move into United States and marry her. I am sure there are many of you who has gone through the same situation as us, and if there are, I would really appreciate if you could give me any tips and advice to how I should go on about it.

What should I do and what I should not do during my trip to USA as we are planning to apply for K-1 visa after my return to Sri Lanka? How to overcome the nervousness and get used to being around each other as this is our first time being togther in person, even though we have a very healthy relationship via online communication? Please give me your inputs. Thanks all!

Best regards,

Rav

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

Hopefully her family is in agreement with your relationship as this will help especially if she has to work while you are here

show your gf a lot of respect as this is what the family needs to see

just relax / american TV you have seen in your country is not real / it is movie stars and fake

we are normal down-to-earth people

hope you like American football

[apalachidoremi 10]

are you both of Sri Lankan descent?

[RR&MJL 20]

Hopefully her family is in agreement with your relationship as this will help especially if she has to work while you are here

show your gf a lot of respect as this is what the family needs to see

just relax / american TV you have seen in your country is not real / it is movie stars and fake

we are normal down-to-earth people

hope you like American football

Hi Adil, thanks for the reply!

Her family is not in fully agreement as of yet. But I will meet them once I am there. Hopefully they will be fine with our relationship moving forward. What could happen if they do not approve? They cannot actually force her to do anything.

Yes, I do respect her a lot and I am actually a decent guy. lol

Yes, I agree about what you said. She is also very different from what I have seen on TV/movies, down to earth and a good person.

I like many sports, and I am interested in learning about American football too, even though I am not familiar with it.

[RR&MJL 20]

are you both of Sri Lankan descent?

No. I am Sri Lankan (brown) and she is American (white).

[apalachidoremi 10]

just be mindful of any cultural differences you two have.. like what was mentioned, respect will really go a long way. You both will feel the "nerves" the first time out but it is OK, think of what you two share in common that brought you in to this stage of your relationship.

you are also "courting" the family of your girlfriend, striking a balance between being yourself and putting your best foot forward will help. lol

also-make sure you enjoy the USA too..

[RR&MJL 20]

just be mindful of any cultural differences you two have.. like what was mentioned, respect will really go a long way. You both will feel the "nerves" the first time out but it is OK, think of what you two share in common that brought you in to this stage of your relationship.

you are also "courting" the family of your girlfriend, striking a balance between being yourself and putting your best foot forward will help. lol

also-make sure you enjoy the USA too..

Yes, we have talked a lot about our cultural differences and even religion. We have come into terms on those and even made compromises. Even though I am a Sri Lankan, I am familiar with western/American culture and fond of it, so I think I will be able to blend in.

We both are genuine in this relationship and we want to go all the way. But it will not be easy to convince her family because this has been a long distance relationship and as you said, the cultural differences that we have. But we will try our best to make this happen.

We have made a trip plan already and want to spend a lot of time together. I will surely let you guys know how it went.

[apalachidoremi 10]

sure thing! likewise..

best of luck to you pal!

[Pitaya 2,577]

Welcome to the forum.

[TBoneTX 45,304]

Please remember that there are three phases of a developing relationship.

The e-mail phase can go wonderfully well.

The phone/video phase can go wonderfully well.

Neither of those matters if there's any question within or about the in-person phase.

You seem to be aware of this variable already, which is good.

Observe carefully what she does, not only what she says.

If she displays any behavior that you can't abide, consider whether you could live with that for the rest of your life.

With that said, try to understand the U.S. culture.

Wishing you the best.

Edited September 20, 2016 by TBoneTX

[RR&MJL 20]

sure thing! likewise..

best of luck to you pal!

Thanks a lot, mate!

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks a lot!

[RR&MJL 20]

Please remember that there are three phases of a developing relationship.

The e-mail phase can go wonderfully well.

The phone/video phase can go wonderfully well.

Neither of those matters if there's any question within or about the in-person phase.

You seem to be aware of this variable already, which is good.

Observe carefully what she does, not only what she says.

If she displays any behavior that you can't abide, consider whether you could live with that for the rest of your life.

With that said, try to understand the U.S. culture.

Wishing you the best.

Yes, I understand. The purpose of my visit to USA is for us to get to know each other in person and decide if we are compatible as much as we are online. We only have 10 days to decide that, but we are hoping for the best. Thanks for your words!

[KASH2011 382]

Welcome to VJ!

[X Factor 1,112]

Welcome to VJ

[RR&MJL 20]

Thanks!