I'm a Canadian who fell in love with an American. Moving to the US to be with him meant giving up almost everything.

I upended my life and gave up my dream condo to move from Canada to California.

I don't regret it.

Janine Canillas I'm a Canadian who unexpectedly fell in love with an American man while on a trip to California.

I moved to be with him, which meant selling my dream condo in Montreal and downsizing my belongings.

Starting from scratch in a new country was tough, and my savings took a hit, but I'm glad I did it.

When I got the keys to my Montreal condo in August 2022, it felt like I had arrived.

My new place overlooking the Lachine Canal had marble counters, heated floors, and even a rooftop pool with skyline views.

Still, after years of working hard to save up for my dream home and isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had become overly attached to routines and the comfort of my condo.

Most days consisted of evening walks with my dog, the same coffee order, the same canal view.

My parents and friends nudged me back into the world and, reluctantly, I booked a trip to California .

My simple plan was to escape winter for a few weeks, write by the ocean, and return home inspired.

Instead, I fell in love.

On my trip, I found a whirlwind romance that pushed me toward California I found myself becoming attached to Venice Beach and a particular person I'd met there.

Joecho-16/Getty Images During my trip, I decided to try Venice Beach paddle tennis and booked a lesson with Hit with Marcus, run by local coach Marcus Canillas.