First Impressions vs Reality
Then
You thought I was a hard working and super smart person
Now
Now you know I have my moments of brilliance, but am more often than not lazy and stupid
Timeline
Milestones
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26/02/2025
Our First Date!
This was our first and only date when we were "Just Dating" and before we became official. I did not mess around and asked you right away in broken Vietnamese to be my girlfriend <3
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09/03/2025
Our First Hike
This was our first hike, where I looked at least 20 years older than you. The scenery was really pretty and we got the chance to drive through Black Spur and enjoy each others company. Can’t wait for the next hike (I got a lot of fitness work ahead of me to survive)
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05/04/2025 & 03/05/2025
Regular Dates and Outings
This time feels like an eternity ago, but during that time we were regularly meeting up, both after my BJJ outings but also in general doing things like going to new cafes, heading to the beach and enjoying day to day life together. (It was also during the period of time we slowed down on casing)
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28/06/2025
Celebrating our First Birthday
your birthday was the first one up, we had an amazing time visiting Bendigo since you’d never been and then had a lovely dinner at Yugen. You were surprised I remembered the restaurant, but in reality I was searching up fine-dining restaurants in Melbourne until I saw pictures that reminded me of what I saw in your vision board.
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26/08/2025
Final date before China
Our final date before you left for China. This was a super fun day where we went around doing a number of errands and enjoying time together. It felt like an insight on what it’d be like to live a life together smashing through some chores. It also spawned the now infamous Ngoc in a box image which was hilarious. I also launched my first AI model (Myself x150)
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01/12/2025
Living it up in Bali
Our first family trip was in Bali, although we had some not as fun times travelling with family compared to friends we found solace and enjoyment in the time we spent together. You joked/were serious that it felt like being love bombed, but those last moments in the airport broke me and was a reminder how much I love you and also how much I was missing you when we were apart.
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05/12/2025
Enjoying life in China
This trip was so so much fun and having you there with me every step of the way made it so enjoyable. We had a great mix of good food, amazing scenery and time together. Having such a trip together. That last day was also heartbreaking, but I’m hoping soon enough we’ll be together again and instead of reminiscing through texts or call we’re sitting next to each other in bed going through the photos, the memories and sharing the laughs.
Gallery
Photo Grid
Notes
Things We've Learned
Theme: Bathroom Time Diplomacy
You spend 30 seconds and I spend 30 minutes when shitting.
Somehow this still counts as domestic harmony.
Theme: Shower Schedule Peace Treaty
Our shower schedules are wildly incompatible — and yet we coexist.
I compromise and shower before bed for you.
Love is logistics sometimes.
Theme: Everyday Teaching
We teach each other new things — even though the things you teach me you think I should already know.
Theme: Small Routines, Big Meaning
Small routines end up meaning more than big plans, particularly when we're apart.
The little things hold us together between the big things.
Theme: Opposites That Fit
We’re sometimes very different people who weirdly fit together.
It shouldn’t always make sense.
But it does.
Theme: Travel Team
We’re amazing at travelling together.
I can't wait to travel more with you.
Theme: Our Rituals
Our rituals make our relationship so much fun (Penguin hug, Dessert before bed, red lights and handshakes).
Theme: Choosing Each Other
We’re both still learning — and choosing each other anyway.
That choice matters more every time.
Perspective
Then vs Now
Letter
A Note
Happy one year, my love
It’s honestly a little crazy to say that. It feels like yesterday I was awkwardly asking you to be my girlfriend in Viet. One year of shared days, late nights, small traditions, some big trips and everything in between. When I think about how much we’ve lived, learned, and grown together, it feels like so much more than one year.
Over this year, we’ve gotten to know each other in ways that go far beyond the surface like how smelly my shits are or your impeccable hygiene habits. I’ve personally seen how you handle pressure, how you think things through, how deeply you care, and how much effort you put into becoming the person you want to be. I know this is a period of nothingness and uncertainty but I’ve watched you chase opportunities, step into uncertainty, and keep moving forward even when things weren’t clear. Being alongside you for that has been the best parts of 2025 and I don’t doubt it’ll be the same for 2026.
We’ve grown not just as individuals, but as a couple. We’ve learned each other’s rhythms, our differences, our weird little habits, and the ways we show care. We’ve supported each other through stress, celebrated wins, and found comfort in just being together like doom scrolling reels in bed in china.
You make life feel fuller, lighter, and more meaningful. You challenge me, inspire me, and make me want to show up better. I’m grateful for the patience, honesty, laughter, and love we’ve built together, and for the way we keep choosing each other.
I miss you and I want you back as soon as possible to celebrate <3
I’m really proud of us, and incredibly thankful that I get to do life with you. I love you. Happy one year and I can’t wait for the years to follow.
Love Pranav
Extras