Finding yourself even when you're not looking

I must say, I've never felt so Canadian as I have since I moved to France. I know that you're supposed to be able to get some perspective on where you come from by leaving the place, but I didn't really realize how all of that "perspective" would come about.

Here, I've learned the most about Canada by defending it. Not that it's under attack. But, sometimes I do things in France that are considered a little odd -- such as making eye contact with anyone who looks like they could use some help (Canadians, it seems, are helpful people) ... and sometimes, those things get noticed.

This goes for romantic relationships, too. Well, mine at least. Sorting out differences -- which seems to be what people do when the honeymoon period is over -- can tell you just as much about you as it does about the other person.

Scary. Interesting in an academic sort of way. But scary. Learning about yourself can be a strange little process.