Misao McBride

I am originally from Japan and I love my country but my relationship with Japan had always been one of ambivalence due to the hidden pressures of Japanese society.

I’m sure that there are plenty of Japanese women who have the similar relationship with Japan like me. And that is why I set up OzMatch, to encourage them, educate them, support them in being free and being loved.

I am also helping Australian single men who are seeking a genuine, loving, happy long-term relationship, to find their dream partner.

I was born and raised in a small village in the countryside. My mum always told me that I should think carefully before I say something. I always had to think whether something I said would hurt anyone's feeling, if it sounded rude to others, or if it was safe to say etc, etc.

If you are 100% Australian, you may think that is crazy. But that is what my mum taught me about how to survive in a small community with narrow minded people. I loved my mum so much and I followed exactly what she said.

Was I happy with it? Not exactly but I was always the best child at home and at school because I suppressed my thoughts, ideas and feelings. But it cost me a lot. I ended up with anorexia and suffered for more than 20 years until I move to Australia.

I wasn’t interested in meeting men and dating them at all when I was in my 20s and 30s and I kept doubting the benefits of marriage as well. It was because I didn’t see any happily married couples amongst my family, relatives, neighbours and co-workers.

But it wasn’t the true reason why I avoided having any relationship with men. I was afraid of rejection. I didn’t want to get hurt. I didn’t believe someone would love me. And I didn’t love myself at all. I was always angry, disappointed, frustrated, miserable and lonely. I didn’t know how to receive love.