In any union, there exists a constant discourse between both partners who have distinct characteristics, ideas and personalities even if both originate from similar social backgrounds. In the union of a `mixed couple '¡ these differences are amplified as each brings along diverse values, beliefs and social norms. But do these differences make the marriage more complicated or serve to celebrate each difference?

We take a look through the eyes of a local, who is celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary next month. Ida, a Beijing native lives with her husband Frank and daughter Rebecca in Beijing.

Ida first met Frank at a party during his visit to China (his first trip to Asia) ten years ago.
``He believed in love at first sight and he told me then that I was the one,
he also told me I was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen," said Ida.
And after a whirlwind three-month romance, Ida agreed to Frank proposal and she became Mrs Pollack.

``The funny thing was I never even considered marrying a foreigner before then. I suppose it was in the stars," she said, adding they were married on her birthday, Sept 30th .
She said she did the running around to get the proper documentation for the wedding but added that both of them had to personally appear at the Beijing Civil Administration Bureau to get their marriage certificate.

Traditionally (and globally) mixed marriages are often regarded as problematic and discouraged, especially by the parents despite the fact that same background marriages are no less challenging.
We ask Ida how their parents responded.

``When I first visited my in-laws in Germany, they did not accept me," she said, adding that some of her husband's friends predicted unkindly that their marriage would not last long.
But after seeing how devoted the couple were to each other and how much in love they were, their friends and family accepted their union.

``Many of these friends have now remarked that we are the most compatible couple they have seen over the years," she said.
She added others were surprised at seeing their enduring relationship especially as many German couples rarely live together for more than 4 years.

Mr. Pollack has always been working in the hotel industry and his work has taken them to Malaysia, Hong Kong and brought them back to Beijing.

``I am quite happy to remain in Beijing although we are not sure what the future holds," said Ida.
She said that Beijing had progressed dramatically since a decade ago and was constantly modernizing.

A mixed marriage carries added differences, especially cultural and social differences. How does Ida see this?
``Yes, we do have many cultural differences especially as we come from very diverse cultural backgrounds but I think these differences serves to enhance the relationship," she said.
She cited a time in Malaysia when she brought back a bottle of pickles. She sad Frank was afraid to smell them or even go near them.
``But now he's used to it," she said.
Knowing that both came from different worlds, she said they both tried to adapt to or adopt the other's cultural and social norms.
``Also I think our differences could be the added spark to our relationship," said Ida.

However Ida says, she believes proper communication is essential in any relationship.
``After we were married, I went to study English more seriously," she said, adding she now has a good command of German after taking German classes last year.

When children come into the equation, it adds a new dimension. The child while being of two cultures, neither solely belongs to either one.
Ida says that her seven and a half-year-old daughter is immersed in both worlds and experiences the best of both cultures.
``She speaks both Chinese and German well," she said.
However she said she would let her daughter, who is strong-willed, decide whether she would like to continue living in China or go abroad later.
``I will respect her wishes. But I will tell her that she belongs to both China and Germany," she said.

Has being married to a foreigner changed her outlook in any way?
``I don't think so. I have still maintained my Chineseness although I can adapt well to German culture," she said.

Mixed marriages bring their own set of challenges but in it, the couple can enjoy the best of both `worldsÕ and cultures. It might mean added work to adapt but the rewards are increased as well.

Ida has planned a big celebration for their 10th anniversary/ birthday on Sept 30th. We wish you a very happy anniversary Mr and Mrs Pollack.