In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, we’re talking about relationships—and specifically what it’s like to grow up in a culture where marriage is expected early, only to end up married to Americans in very different ways.

Lesley shares a personal story most people don’t know: she got married at 18 to a Portuguese boy—and divorced by 20. We talk about the pressure to settle down young, the gender roles we grew up with, and the kind of relationships we saw modeled in our community.

We also reflect on how marrying outside our culture has forced us (and our partners) to navigate everything from family dynamics to food, language, and privilege. There’s some humor, some heart, and a whole lot of cultural unpacking in this one.

🎧 Tune in to hear us talk about:

– Getting married young and the aftermath

– Why we didn’t end up with Portuguese guys

– Mental load, masculinity, and growing alongside your partner

– The joy (and chaos) of blending families and traditions

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💬 Got your own story about being first gen or marrying across cultures? Share it with us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcast

Connect with us on Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesley