The reason I began studying Japanese was b/c I started dating a woman from Japan. I decided that I wanted to write her Christmas card in Japanese, which was my original reason for learning. I wanted to write her a cute card using her own language.
However, now when people ask me "so why are you learning Japanese"? "isn't it strange for an american to learn Japanese?"
I am not sure how to answer them. I have since quit dating my ex gf. So I can't say that it is b/c i am dating japanese woman. I can relate to them my original intentions but it is a long story..
Also, I hate being perceived as some guy who just wants to meet Japanese women...and that is the reason I am learning Japanese...