Long-distance love is increasingly common in our digitally networked and professionally outsourced society. In 2001, I met my husband by chance at a rave in Quebec City while living in Ottawa. We dated long distance for two years before settling in Montreal in 2003. In 2007 after getting married and moving to Taiwan, Ranjit went back to Canada to update his education at the University of Laval, a one and a half year process. Last year, I moved to the USA to begin a PhD at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
An early photo taken about a month after we started dating, November 2001 .
As a couple we trust each other and are understanding towards time spent apart. The distance is always caused by education/career prospects that we both support. It is difficult and can be lonely. There are times when we both feel abandoned and harbor resentment. But we always manage to get through it. We are busy and the separation is always for a good reason that benefits us both.
Our wedding, May 2005.
At the moment Ranjit is half way through his Masters in Mathematics in Taipei and is developing his on-line cycling business. 2011 will be a big year for him as his finishes his Masters, re-vamps his on-line shop, and establishes the business in Hong Kong. I am supportive of all of these endeavors. It is just too bad that we have to be apart. But it won’t be forever! Just one more year…
Snapshot from home, December 2009.
Late next May, I am planning on meeting Ranjit in Hong Kong for a romantic break which will mix business and pleasure. After spending four months apart the holiday will be an event to look forward to and I feel lucky to see parts of Asia as a poor student in North America. Life and relationships are about compromise. You have to remember the bad times are only temporary and be thankful of the positive elements that can easily be taken for granted.
That’s a nice post honey, Love you!
I am so inspired by how you and Ranjit find a way to make an imperfect situation work. I love the message you ended with: “You have to remember the bad times are only temporary and be thankful of the positive elements that can easily be taken for granted.” So easy to forget, so important to hear