I am a native English speaker (Californian American accent)

Let me know if I can help

(3/3)

Lastly, when meeting new people, I try my best to steer away from topics such as politics and religion. These two are some of the post polarizing topics of discussion and can easily lead to a heated argument and/or rift in the relationship before it has even had a chance to begin - whether or not it can be continued/saved afterwards in completely up to the individual involved. Granted this is more of a worst case scenario, but you never know what kind of person you might be involved with.

 All in all, I find intercultural relationships some of the most rewarding ones out there and am always looking forward to making new ones!

(2/3)

I definitely know what you mean by the idea of altering our behavior depending on the person we are meeting for the first time, with respect to let's say their background and culture. For example, in Argentina I have no problem greeting both men and women with a kiss on the cheek - that is what we do. In Finland, on the other hand, we hold in high regard a person's personal space; to boldly just lean in for a kiss on the cheek could be seen as disrespectful when first meeting a person. Conversely, in the USA, it could go both ways depending on your location; some states are more open to immediate public affection while others are not. This (our conduct/behavior) can of course change over time as the relationship molds itself into something different.

(1/3)

I completely agree with you here.

There are many different factors which play a role in the development and maintenance of a relationship (with a friend, foreigner, etc.) so the <em>possible</em> future of a relationship is never a given.

I've found that mutual respect is the easiest road to take when meeting new people. Of course I have preconceived notions, schemas, thoughts about a certain race or culture, but regardless of whether or not they are positive or negative, I try to start off on a clean slate. I try my best not to pigeonhole the person before, during, or after meeting them for the first time; after all, things change, opinions change, and people change.

Sure thing man!

Also, one quick note:

It's been a long while since the last time I talked to someone online...

(You don't need to specify that it's "since the last time", since it's already a given/assumed)

First notebook entry: Introducing myself

I am learning the language because I want to study abroad and work in the U.S.A.

My hobbies: snowboarding, swimming.

You can also say "My hobbies are snowboarding and swimming."

My I really love is American football !

(Unless you want to say "My real love is..." or "My true love is..."; depends on the context!)

Good job!

The Walking Dead televisiosarja ja sarjakuva

Moi.

Minä rakastan The Walking Dead televisiosarjaa, joten tilasin ensimmäisen ja toisen kirjan sarjakuvan alkaen suomessa. (Here you are saying "beginning in Finnish" which is the literal translation, but is not grammatically correct unless you say "alkaen Suomessa" which in turn means "starting in Finland".)

Hence, you would say

... kirjan sarjakuvan suomeksi. (in Finnish)

Sarjakuvat ovat suomeksi. (in Finnish - Suomessa means in Finland)

Kiitos paljon.

Good job!