Making the Move Together? Questions for my Boyfriend

Having the opportunity to move to France for a year is a really exciting prospect. It is even more exciting when you get to share the experience with people you love. I'm fortunate enough that my boyfriend Joey is able to join me during my time in France as he is an artist and able to work remotely.

I have been in awe of his willingness to jump right into this crazy process and pack up his life to go to a country he has never been to before. I thought it would be fun to do a post about his thoughts on this experience so far: 

What did you think when I first told you I was applying only to international graduate programs?

I thought that it was a ballsy move, but then it made perfect sense. I have to admit, I didn't even consider that I could/would ever live abroad again, let alone that you would invite me. Then I started thinking about what an experience it would be for you, and I got excited for you.  And then I sort of got a little... I dunno if jealous is the right word. but I started to want to share the adventure. At least part of me.

Did your feelings shift when you found out I had been accepted to the Paris School of Business's Spring intake and moving to Paris in four months?

This frustrated me. You know this, but I like to take time with things.  I didn't think it was enough time for me to be able to figure out my life before.

What made you decide to make the move to Paris too?

A "f*ck it" attitude that I forgot I still had.  You helped show me how it would be possible, and you kept talking and including me.  But mainly, I feel like our relationship was progressing on its own, and even though it still felt fast, I started to feel like we were in the right place in our relationship, and that we were doing so well, that I might be ready.

What has caused you the most anxiety about this process so far?

Quitting my job, money, finding enough freelance work to feel good about taking the leap back into full time illustration.  Learning french. Not having a social safety net, finding a way to fit my love of two wheeled vehicles into my life there, living in a little studio, dealing with the cold. .  

I'm also really worried about not being around for my family.  I worry about them.  I also feel like the people I love in San Francisco may be all gone by the time I get back.

What has been the most surprising part of the process so far?

That it almost seems possible. And how hard you'll work, and the lengths you'll go to to have me in your life, and to make me happy.

When you think about Paris, what are the first things that come to mind?

I'm keeping an open mind.  Mostly I think of questions.   What is a Parisian dirtbag like? How will I pick my favorite places to eat?  Where are the best places to draw?

What are you looking forward to most about the move?

Adding new stories and adventures to my repertoire and finding out how Paris will change me.

What will you miss about living in San Francisco?

My friends.

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If you want to learn more about Joey, I highly encourage you to check out his website: www.maukillustration.com