With a good command of foreign languages, many young Vietnamese have found their other half living thousands of miles away and entered into a relationship despite differences in language and culture or disapproval from their family. Some enjoy a happy life, while others cannot put up with the differences of their partner.

Some enjoy a happy life, while others cannot put up with the differences of their partner, Photo: Tuoi Tre

The love story of Phuong Anh, a senior in the German department at Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Social Science and Humanities, started three years ago when she went online to find a buddy to practice German. She got to know Timo, a tall, handsome young German with whom she exchanged the language and culture of the two countries.

Phuong Anh found Timo more to be mature than others his age, although he was two years younger than her. Gradually, the two found common points and fell in love. 

After finishing high school in Germany, Timo chose to get involved in a charity program in Vietnam during his gap year. At the same time, Phuong Anh was selected to attend a German-Vietnamese student forum in Hanoi. They first met at the capital’s Noi Bai airport and quickly exchanged hugs and kisses, to their friends’ surprise.

“He’s different from other western guys I have known, he lives a healthy life style, loves me truly and has a clear plan for the future,” she said.

Hoai Mi at the city’s University of Culture met Richard, a Canadian researcher, when they were both searching for companions on a trip to China from the site triptrotting.com. After meeting Mi, Richard realized she not only made a great travel mate, but also a perfect other half. 

“I was impressed by Mi’s deep knowledge on culture, history and geography, together with her consideration to other people in our trotting group,” said Richard.

Later Richard confessed his love to My and they now have been heads over heels for each other for three years, even though the relationship is opposed by her parents.
After overcoming her family’s disapproval Minh Phung, a graduate of the HCMC Academy of Foreign Affairs, tied the knot with Joe, an American physics teacher, after talking to him online for two years.

Six months after their marriage, her husband began to get annoyed upon seeing Phung stocking their kitchen with fish sauce, soy sauce, fermented shrimp paste and durian in their house in the US. 

One day, Phung was eating pha lau, a dish of piles of beef and pork intestines, lungs, kidney, heart and stomach, when her husband saw and exclaimed: “Disguising!” It was the last straw which made Phung return to Vietnam.

Going against parental objections and relatives’ rumors, Phung thought she could keep her love but it soon came apart due to their different eating habits.

“Too many differences” is the reason most young people cite for the breakup of their international relationships.

“If I come to live with my husband, I fear I cannot stand being away from home. I am also concerned about the differences in educating our kids later,” said many female voices.
Meanwhile, others find that opposites attract and regard adversity as spice for their love.

“I have never seen any beautiful love story succeed without challenge. It is really hard for a couple of different nationality and background to get along, but it is not impossible,” said Hong Nhung, who has just married an Australian.

Several youngsters also agreed that nationality and background do not matter in relationship. It is love and sympathy which are the glue to bond two different souls.

Source: Tuoi Tre