Hers

My father said— ‘Find someone who would take care of you wholeheartedly. It will make me feel better knowing someone is there beside you, given the distance between us.’

Thus, I gave online dating another chance and found a guy whose name I liked. ‘Pierre’. Hmmm.

Read his profile.

Grammar? Check.

Looking for relationship? Check.

Interests? Check.

Photos? Check.

And so, I swiped right.

It took around three weeks exchanging messages with him before I said yes to our first date. We decided to have a Sunday brunch date on the 29th of May in a coffeeshop followed by lunch in a French restaurant just beside it. I clearly remember Pierre being 10 minutes late on that date. He was sweating and out of breath from all the rushing and cycling. To my surprise, two piercing blue eyes met my gaze followed by a shy smile. He was apologetic but I was just glued to his eyes already in that moment.

Pierre had the most genteel demeanor, such sweetness and calmness I have never known. Definitely not from a loud Filipina girl who is often mistaken to be angry just by the tone of the voice. He may be an opposite of my personality at times, but thankfully he has unwavering patience and softheartedness. God knows he will need these if he wants to spend a lifetime with me.

With Pierre, I found the calm in my inner storms and worries. He balances out the extremes in my character and he amplifies the growth and joy I have in life by making me experience the world, one country at a time.

With that one swipe, I wouldn't have known that my life will never be the same again. No more of those lonely thoughts of being alone. I finally have found my person, my confidante, my lover, my everything. The man that I have fervently prayed for is here to stay. Not a perfect man, but the perfect man for me.

His

There was a time when I kept thinking I'd rather be happier on my own. Still, my inner voice kept telling me: 'Keep the door open as you wouldn't want to miss a lifetime opportunity if the one for you ever existed'.

My amazing saviour sis Emilie became my life coach in this process. At first, I was reluctant with the idea of online dating and rapidly became less pro-active. After a time, I finally noticed a potential radiant soul with a French name 'Marie', who seemed to enjoy:

Traveling // check

Nature // check

Food // check

Whose online appearance and vibe felt positive // check

And who was searching for a 'partner in crime' // check

And so, for this 'perle rare', I didn't just swipe right but I sent her one of my few available super likes (I was determined).

I immediately wanted to get to know her. I didn't give up and after a couple of weeks, she finally accepted. I did not want to hope too much yet. I just arrived a bit late and said hi. Her presence felt very warm and welcoming. It was surprisingly super natural to talk to her and she really made me feel home, something I experienced for the first time in this process. Plus, she had such a unique charm. Happy, confident, calm and hopeful, I had a very good feeling and I did my best to give our connection a good go.

Ever since, life together has confirmed that she is the one for me. She has just brought up a new version of me that makes me want to keep going through life now stronger than ever. She even gave me confidence to the extent of wanting to marry her, build a family together and ultimately be a good and caring life companion to her. With that one swipe, I was able to find my treasure. Her energy, creativity and will power also really complement mine. My dream of finding a true life companion has finally come true and I am very grateful. She is my lifetime gift and I want to keep cherishing and celebrating our love forever.