More Than One World: Why "Multicultural" Didn’t Fit Me

For most of my life, I called myself multicultural. It was the term people used to describe me. It was the term I used to describe myself. But deep down, it never felt quite right.

 
I grew up speaking multiple languages, navigating both Norwegian and Palestinian cultural codes, and living with values that often clashed or overlapped depending on where I was and who I was with. But being “multicultural” never quite explained the inner work it took to juggle competing expectations, different communication styles, and the constant need to adapt.

It wasn’t until I discovered the concept of being cross-cultural that I realized what was missing. It wasn’t just exposure to different cultures—it was growing up within them, being shaped by them in ways that touched everything from my moral compass to how I process loss and belonging.

The distinction matters. A cross-cultural identity reflects who you are because of how deeply you’ve lived across cultures during your formative years.

Takeaway💡:

Living between cultures isn't just about having multiple traditions - it’s about navigating different value systems daily. This tension can shape powerful skills: empathy, adaptability, and cultural fluency. These are strengths - not complications.

As someone who’s cross-cultural myself, I created this free guide to help you navigate and connect your cultural identities. Inside, you’ll find my top 5 strategies to support you on that journey.