Love Across Borders: Dominique & Menghsi on marriage, connection, and embracing each other’s worlds
As part of our Love Across Borders series, we're highlighting real couples navigating life and love across countries and cultures. Today’s feature is about Dominique and Menghsi, and their story which is founded in open-mindedness, communication, and love.
Dominique and Menghsi’s story began online - somewhere between Tinder and Instagram. Neither was actively looking for a serious relationship at the time, but something about their connection stood out, and they stayed in touch. Fast forward to nearly 6 years later, and they’re living in Berlin and recently celebrated their wedding in October 2024.
Their relationship, like many cross-cultural couples, involves navigating differences in communication, expectations, and daily life. “Linguistically, Taiwanese culture tends to be more reserved and careful with language, while as a South African, I can be more fluid and even careless with words,” says Dominique. “The [traditionally Taiwanese] concept of saving face has also come up; something that took me time to understand.”
However, where differences exist, so does curiosity, and for Dominique and Menghsi, communication is everything. They talk often, about everything, and truly listen to one another. “Acknowledgement is important,” they both agree. “We take every sentiment seriously, no matter how small.”
Dominique and Menghsi credit their strong relationship to truly listening to one another and remembering to be playful.
Differences can lead to the strongest bonds
An age difference of eight years might stand out on paper, but in their relationship, it just adds a deeper dimension. “Since Menghsi is older, she’s helped me navigate the world: from German bureaucracy to entering new friendship circles,” Dominique shares. “But I also help keep her young with Gen Z trends, and more emotional expression, also as a result of my cultural background.”
They both agree that the age gap fades into the background most of the time. “It’s our cultures and values that are more defining,” Menghsi notes, “especially in how we see things like work. But I don’t feel the age difference much; we love to be silly and play together, and that balances everything out.”
Shared Values and Building a Future
Their shared values – similar family backgrounds, a love of learning, and a deep mutual respect – have helped them create a bond that feels natural, even across continents, as they continue to learn more about one another’s cultures. “It’s not hard work,” they explain, “because we genuinely love spending time together.”
As for the future, they’re dreaming big together. “We want to enjoy this new phase in Berlin as a married couple,” they say, “and eventually we’d love to open a business together. We each have different strengths, and we’d like to use them to build something meaningful for ourselves and our families.” The long-term vision includes moving to Taiwan, continuing their adventure on the other side of the world.
Currently based in Berlin, the couple is ready to continue their adventure wherever life takes them.
Reflections on love across cultures
I met Dominique and Menghsi on a warm spring afternoon in Berlin, and what stood out most was how naturally they move through the world together as a pair. They finished each other’s sentences without hesitation, and even absent-mindedly fixed each other’s clothing or hair mid-conversation. Even in front of the camera they were at ease together - it felt like stepping into a moment that belonged entirely to them. There’s a deep care and attentiveness between them that’s hard to miss: the kind of quiet intimacy that comes from truly knowing and being known.
Their advice for other intercultural couples?
Stay open.
“Adopt your partner’s culture with real interest. Learn their language, be curious about how they grew up, and stay willing to grow together,” says Dominique. “That’s how you build a relationship that lasts.”
Are you navigating love across cultures too? We'd love to hear your story as part of a future Love Across Borders series, or help you find your own match across borders. Contact us!
Photos by Emma at EC Media.