I learned Portuguese to date in Brazil. It taught me to take dating — and myself —less seriously.

The author in Florianópolis, Brazil.

Courtesy of the author

As digital nomads like me bounce from city to city, sampling new foods and lying on new beaches, we live in a liminal zone, far from our hometowns. Often, we're in the company of other travelers in foreign countries and surrounded by other English speakers. This means that while we get to explore world wonders and engage with new cultures, we can also communicate easily during our travels — no Duolingo required. That is, until we try to date the locals.