So I ended up in a relationship with a Japanese man (who is also partly a minority as one of the indigenous groups of Japan) while in the country. It wasn't something I intended for, as a foreigner who didn't intend to do anything in Japan except do my independent (cultural) study.
He made grand gestures and confessed liking me very quickly, and basically went well out of his way financially and otherwise to see me and then to bring me closer to him. I let him because we had a very strong connection. He told me he moved so quickly because he knew it was a 'once in a lifetime' chance and that I wouldn't be around for long. Then I got sick and he basically completely took care of me. We ended up in a relationship, and after another month already he hints at wanting to be with me long-term, and has said あいしてる to me. A few times.
I asked him about the expression and he explained/confirmed the seriousness of it to me, told me he has never said it in his life before, but he means it. I don't speak Japanese and he doesn't speak my languages, but we have a lot of understanding with one another somehow. He seems absolutely sincere and told me he hasn't even had any experiences in love before me, and I honestly believe him because some things couldn't be fabricated, but I wonder just how abnormal this all is?
He has been absolutely pampering me and tending to my every need so it's not like it's all just words. It's a lot of actions too. I'm a divorcee and never intended to date or end up in a relationship again, but this man acts absolutely utterly devoted to me. I don't know what I did. I've just existed. I'm also embarrassed about this but I want to know what it could mean: he once called me something-kami. (Well not kami actually but the equivalent word in the indigenous language.) The first part of it is like a private thing between him and I.. but.. is kami like calling someone a god/goddess? He told me that others would find it weird but I feel like I want to know just HOW weird?
For more context, he's a grown man, mature, healthy, stable. He has some interests in common with me which we connected over, and they aren't weird, rather a craft/trade. He's very healthy seeming. Very positive and sweet. Has good relationships with his family, and friends. He doesn't seem to have the capacity for anything but gentleness so I trust him.
I just really want some more cultural context here so I can understand more fully what's happening.
by ReachNo6814