I spent years trying to blend in after moving to France. 10 years later, I've realized I don't have to.

Vivienne Zhao moved to Paris alone in 2015 and has accepted that she'll never fully fit in.

Provided by Vivienne Zhao

• Vivienne Zhao was born in China and moved to France at 22.
• For years, she chased a sense of belonging.
• Now, 33, she believes meaning can exist without permanence — a view that her mom disagrees with.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Vivienne Zhao, 33, a French teacher. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.

For years...