In general polki are not a bargain.They just exist in massive numbers.
Never heard a truer statement. :-)
International relationships, I think are true test of metal for both partners. Cultural differences initially are funny but soon escalate into battlegrounds. It takes time to overcome these differences and find some middle ground and if you can survive that long, then it should be a good relationship. It's all about give and take and if you can't manage that, your unlikely to succeed in any relationship.
Trust is a major factor. If you don't trust the driver, don't ride the bus. I know plenty of people would find it difficult to trust someone speaking in a language they don't understand in front of them. The same people would have a problem if their partner was 10 minutes longer at the shops than usual. Not worth bothering with in my opinion. They failed to grow up.