Background: I’m culturally British with a mixed racial heritage (West Indian / Eastern European. My partner has dual nationality with one parent from a European country and another from an African one. Predominantly, she is culturally African. English is her second language.

Cultural differences account for a large portion of the problems we face as a couple. For instance: we hold many dissimilar values, such as those around gender roles and fundamental parenting principles. We’ve both identified that these differences often boil down to differences in native culture and subsequent expectations.

Furthermore, the language barrier, though usually irrelevant, can occasionally lead to real frustration (particularly when we’re tired or when tensions are high for whatever reason). I sometimes lose the plot when she resorts to cryptic mimed instructions.

I’m fortunate in that my curiosity about her culture and language was one reason I found her so interesting in the first place. We’ve actually both adopted many of each others cultural traits and preferences . I still think she needs deporting for not liking custard creams though. Surely that’s one of the tests you have to pass to stay here ? Atrocious