In the Professional Writing & Communications Programme, we were assigned to interview a friend or family member and write a Q&A based on the conversation. I interviewed my boyfriend and wrote a piece about our long-distance relationship.
DISTANCE IS NOTHING WHEN THE LOVE IS REAL
Long-distance relationships are a nightmare to many. But Jeremy Tsang, a 25-year-old software engineer, holds immense faith in his.
This love story began when Jeremy met his now-girlfriend in 2019. Since then, they have been committed to each other for three years and counting. Earlier this year, his lover travelled 7,793 miles from Hong Kong to study in Toronto. A new chapter of uncertainty has unfolded, but he finds hope and trusts everything will work out.
When was the last time you saw your girlfriend face to face?
It's when we said our goodbyes at the airport. We hugged each other. She cried a little bit. I held my tears, but I felt emotional for sure. I gave her a photo album I made as a parting gift. So, she can hold on to something meaningful, intimate and personal if she feels lonely.
How do you feel about her leaving?
It's mixed feelings. I am glad for her because she gets to gear herself up, broaden her vision, and meet many new people in Canada. But at the same time, we are separating, so it's kind of sad.
What is it like being without her?
I have to get used to spending the weekends alone. I've spent more time bouldering, working, and meeting friends for the past month. But, honestly, I'm kind of enjoying it. Not that I don't like companionship, but having some “me time” is not too bad. And I get to appreciate more the time when she's here with me.
But don't you feel lonely?
It depends. Of course, I feel upset when it's on days like Valentine's Day. And sometimes, deep down, I feel sad when I listen to emotional songs. But usually, I'm feeling okay. I miss her a lot, but not to the point that I can't function.
Is there anything you find challenging?
We do a video call every week to keep in touch. I have to learn how to stay intimate with her and share more, like showing my real emotion through the screen when we do Facetime calls. And I have to get used to having no physical touch. So, these are very hard to adapt. But other than that, we are doing pretty well.
Good to know! What do you think keeps this relationship going?
Communication is important, like exchanging our vision, ideas, and how we envision ourselves in the future. We got to stay aligned on our goals. And through communication, we build trust and show care for each other. That's what bonds us so strongly, even if we are not physically next to each other.
How do you show trust in each other?
We proactively reach out and check in on each other. There are times when she feels pressured about meeting new friends, when she misses her friends and family in Hong Kong, and when she has tough assignments, like finding interviewees. But in all those moments, I'm there for her. We always make sure we can be there for each other.
Long-distance relationships are full of uncertainty. Don't you fear that it might fail?
I have great confidence in our three years of relationship. I'm not intimidated or scared because I don't feel like our bonding is that fragile. It's not going to be affected by this one-year separation. Our relationship is going great and is going to do great.
When are you planning to see her again?
Very soon. I haven't decided on the date yet. Maybe the end of the year or early next year.
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