One of the most important things we can do when traveling abroad, and even outside of our communities back home, is to recognize that our experiences shape our perspectives. People with experiences that differ from our own might take different approaches to life or have different ideas about how things ought to be. Even when we disagree, it is only by recognizing our differences that we can work to connect with people outside of our social and cultural circles. Dialogue is important, but respect is even more so.
In Kosovo, gender, ethnicity and age often come with strong sterotypes attached. Women, for example, are often seen as homemakers, expected to be home to cook, clean and care for the men of the family. As a woman in my early twenties, it's not unusual for me to go out to a coffee shop and get inquiries about whether or not I'm married, whether or not I have children, and why, if I'm by myself, I'm going out alone for a drink.
The first few times I was approached with these questions, by both men and women, I'd be lying if I said I didn't take some offense. I had to remind myself that these questions weren't coming from a place of malicious intent.
