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After several failed attempts to learn another language, I finally found the right one and stuck with it. The language was Farsi and I stuck with it because I fell in love with a nice Iranian fellow (who I have since married). It has been much harder to find the motivation to learn a third language–one husband is enough! After some intense brainstorming, here’s my list of 11 great reasons to learn another language to help you find the right motivator.

My Farsi (Persian) practice handwriting practice in 2011 -- I used to write like a toddler!

Everyone else is doing it. It’s estimated that between 60 and 75 percent of the world is bilingual or multilingual. It’s time for you to join the party.

You get an extra window into another culture. Learning about a new culture through the language of that culture is a beautiful experience all its own.

Bilingualism keeps your brain healthy when you get old. Studies show that knowing at least two languages may stave off dementia.

It’s a great excuse to travel. If you’ve been learning a language, traveling to a country where that language is spoken is a great way to push past a plateau or polish your skills. Pick up some slang, too!

You’ll have more fun while you’re traveling. Not only is learning another language a great excuse to travel, but you’ll have a much more fun (and relaxed) time if you know the language. You’ll finally understand what all those signs say.

It increases your chances of falling in love with someone from another culture. Dating someone from another culture is really special–you learn so much about their culture, and you also learn how to overcome cultural differences that can cause problems in your relationship. My husband is from Iran and I’ve learned such an immense amount from him. Plus, accents are sexy!

You’ll have really smart bilingual children. A second language is the best gift you can give to your child. They’ll get all the benefits listed here plus they will have healthy baby brains.

You can experience art in its original language. You’ll be able to enjoy books, poetry and films without relying on a translation. I’ll be honest: Rumi is so much more beautiful in Persian. How about reading War and Peace in Russian?

There are more people to meet. This one is simple: the more languages you speak, the more people you can talk with. You can connect with some really interesting people when you speak another language.

It looks great on your résumé. A second language isn’t necessary for all jobs, but it’s a plus for many. Knowledge of another language could provide opportunities, like travel, at your current job, too.

It’s sexy. I saved this one for last because I don’t find myself especially sexy in any language, but this article says it’s sexy and I desperately want to believe the author!