The thing is 'Lid, people don't know you, your wife or the relationship you have with your wife. They certainly will not understand the culture that she comes from or the time and effort a LDR takes from both parties.. Many 'onlookers' will just see 'thai bride' and think the classic crap. I put it down to petty jealousy and like you say, narrowmindedness. There is 16 years between my wife and I, but we are great together, only when someone can walk in my shoes can they comment on my life.