After Her Mother Died, This Woman Was Inspired. Here's What She Learned About Love Around the World

Loni James, a 40-year-old woman from Washington state, decided to fly across the globe to London last year with a simple plan: travel the world and go on a date with a local in each country along the way. Her brave decision to seize the moment was motivated by the passing of her mother, who battled early onset Alzheimer’s from age 48 until her death at age 63.

James has since gone on 34 first dates in 19 countries, using dating apps to find the potential partners that would introduce her to cultural firsts and give her a new perspective on love.

“In the past, I looked at dating as a pass or fail…I don’t think of that anymore,” she said. “I now realize the value of going on a date and being so grateful that someone opened up and gave you their time.”

James added, “I’ve learned that romance comes in many forms. It doesn’t have to be expensive and there isn’t a certain formula that makes romance happen. For me, it’s when there’s connection and intentionality. It is the person who listens to you, who seeks to make you feel special, who wants to bring a smile to your face with a thoughtful gesture and the person who wants to know what you think and seeks to truly get to know you.”

You can read more about her journey on CNN.

Question from the Editor: Have you been on a date in another country before?