What better way to learn about a country than to get cozy with one of its citizens? Today we hear from Chanel, Kim, Marlo and Casey, who are all experts in foreign relations.

CHANEL: I met Luca at a health club. He was Swiss. He was adorable and affectionate. He couldn't keep his hands off of me. He had to constantly touch me and kiss me, small pecks on my entire face.

At first I thought it was so European and cool. Then it was "get away from me!" I don't remember how it ended, but I do remember him drawing a map of Europe on a napkin. I was most impressed.

KIM: I had a relationship with a man from Scotland. He had webbed toes. I've always wondered whether it's a Scottish thing!

MARLO: I had a relationship with an Australian. He was the most outgoing person I've ever met. We were going to a golf tournament, and we took a jitney from the parking lot to the course. During the 10-minute ride, he exchanged names and phone numbers, and made dates for dinners and beers with half a dozen people. He was in public relations, and I never knew if his outgoing personality was a function of his profession or his nationality.

CASEY: I've had two relationships with Englishmen. The first, which lasted two years, was long-distance. We both spent way too much money on phone bills and travel. In the end, I was willing to make sacrifices, including moving to the UK, which he wasn't willing to even consider, so I ended it.

My second relationship started in a club. I was celebrating my birthday when I met Edward. We spent the night chatting, and he walked me home.

A month into the relationship, after I said, "I really like you," he broke up with me. He had heard "I love you. Marry me, and let's have lots of babies!" which wasn't what I meant at all.

Ten days later, he asked me to lunch. By the end of that lunch, which turned into dinner, which turned into drinks, we were back together. In July 2006, I moved to the UK and we moved in together.

It's difficult being apart from my family. Since I've lived here, my brother and his wife have had two kids. Thanks to email, FaceTime and Facebook, I've been able to keep up, but I've still missed a lot of things.

Not knowing our neighbors is unusual for me. Growing up in a small community, I knew everyone within five blocks. But here people keep to themselves.

On the plus side, I've been accepted by Edward's family, and I now count his sister as one of my good friends. I've made great friends who have exposed me to a world I never would have known living in the States.

We've been fortunate to travel to different parts of the continent on weekends and spend a lot of time in the rural parts of the UK.

I'm quite lucky to have quite an English sense of humor, which has helped me integrate. Overall, moving here has been an incredible experience. The UK has quickly become my home. My boyfriend and I are both open to where we'll live in the long term, but right now we are happy just being together and building a life.

Have you ever dated anyone from a different country or culture? Send your tale, along with your questions and problems to cheryllavinrapp@gmail.com. And check out my e-book, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front."