In Episode 18, I had a fascinating conversation with multicultural married couple Ilene & Jorge about cultural identity & how it significantly shapes everything from personality, to relationships, to communication styles, traditions to raising kids. Ilene's father is a 2nd generation Russian and Jewish and her mother is Filipino & Catholic. Jorge grew up in New York with parents who were Puerto Rican + African American, Colombian, Mexican and self-identifies as Afro-Latina. We discuss: not looking Filipino or white enough How having parents who were unapologetically proud of their heritage impacted who she is Why she naturally gravitates to people who are different What it means to be Afro-Latina How understanding their love languages and families allowed them to better understand each other & their cultural upbringing What they want their little girl to know about embracing her mixed “Other” multicultural heritage See photos of Ilene + Jorge HERE