Living overseas changes more than your location it changes how you see yourself.

In this episode of Beyond Borders: A Filipina’s Playbook, I talk about why comparison feels heavier when you’re building a life in another country, especially as a Filipina married to a Taiwanese husband.

From cultural adjustment to emotional expectations inside marriage, I explore how relying too heavily on a partner for stability can slowly affect confidence, identity, and personal growth.

This conversation was inspired by a real story shared with me a Filipina wife whose marriage ended not because of cheating, but because of a gradual shift in attitude and emotional dynamics. It made me reflect deeply on what healthy dependence actually looks like.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, the country records over 50,000 divorces annually, with roughly 1% of married couples divorcing each year. Many of these cases are linked not to scandal, but to long-term misalignment and emotional distance.

Living abroad already requires adjustment. Losing yourself in the process should not be part of the cost.

If you’ve ever:

Compared your marriage to others

Felt pressure to constantly adapt

Questioned your emotional stability overseas

Or wondered how to build strength without weakening your relationship

This episode is for you.

Marriage can be meaningful.

But your foundation must be yours.