The Clash of the Long Distance Lovers: Part 2

I did say that the this clash of long distance lovers wasn't over right? Dodong and I have three main differences. But here are more of them…

ROUND 4: Aspiring Gourmand vs. Mr. Eat-All-You-Can

I love food of all kinds (well, almost), whether or not these can fill me up until I feel like bursting. And I have pipe dreams of becoming a food writer (wannabe!), so I love trying out new restaurants, ingredients and recipes to learn more about the craft. Dodong actually calls me a bit of a food snob, but quality is seriously important for me.

Dodong is also concerned about quality, BUT equally important factors are quantity and value-for-money. So he is a fan of buffets and eat-all-you-can deals because his stomach only gets satisfied with the right quantity. He still manages to amaze me with his gargantuan appetite, even if we’ve been together for 9-years! Waiters of the restaurants we’ve been to would agree too!

I’m also for value-for-money, but we have differences in its definition. Also, It’s not that I don’t enjoy buffets and the like (I do! Especially if with Dodong!), but there are other delicious things worth spending on that are not necessarily voluminous.

Food fights in the supermarket? Or maybe in the kitchen? Or in choosing restaurants? Definitely.

ROUND 5: Water Baby vs. King of the Road

One thing that Dodong has good influence on me is EXERCISE. I know I need it to keep me healthy and sane (exercise helps generate endorphins right?), but I am sometimes (often times!) too lazy to get moving.

Given my 12-year competitive swimming experience, I do prefer water sports. We did cross training back then: swimming, aerobics, jogging, badminton, etc. But I did loathe jogging because I was S-L-O-W. My excuse then was I had weak legs, which I really do have.

I still don’t enjoy jogging, even if it’s all that (it is one of the most popular sports nowadays). I don’t know why, but I can’t really seem to enjoy the sport. I find it a bit boring. Uh, but come to think of it, swimming is boring too.

Dodong, on the other hand, LOVES jogging / running. In our 1st weeks here, he’d encourage me to go with him. Of course, being the ever supportive wife, I did tag along and did some rounds (even if injured! Another one of my excuses). But you know what, it’s still not my cup of tea.

I still would prefer my place in the water, especially if there’s a decent pool nearby. And Dodong? Of course, he’d choose the road over water any time of the day.

ROUND 6: Independent vs. Independent

I really am used to being on my own. In fact, when Dodong left for Dubai, I immensely enjoyed the me time I got. I was so happy that I think I even wrote about it twice! I even learned to do things I've never dared do without Dodong, like fixing our internet connection (I'm so not techie and Dodong is my techie go-to).

Dodong, on the other hand, learned to be MORE independent especially when he started out here in Dubai. So he practically has 3-years worth of independent routine and habits. Oh, let's not discount his own routine and habit when he was in the Philippines.

We're like water and oil, who just can't seem to mix! Ayayay! Don't you feel the same sometimes?

But then again, I (and Dodong too) have to embrace all of this. That thing we entered in TOGETHER. That thing called Marriage. We still have a lifetime left to get to know more about each other AND love each bit, even if it does get on your nerves.

People have always asked me how I survived 9-years (and counting…) with Dodong. My answer remains the same. True love is not found in the grand gestures, but in the little things. So here's to learning more little things and loving them all the more…

Goodluck to us! Hahahaha!

 

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay