Discover the magic of bridging the gap between online and offline as I share the excitement and nervousness of our first face-to-face encounter.
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Meeting someone special from far away and finally getting to spend time together in person is an amazing feeling. Our fourth day together was a mix of excitement, sharing, and good food. As we spent time together, I realized how important it is to appreciate our differences and enjoy the things we have in common.
Vulnerability: The Key to Deeper Connections
One of the most beautiful things about meeting someone new is getting to know the real you. It’s like uncovering a hidden treasure, sharing your strengths and weaknesses without fear. In this openness, I’ve found a sense of freedom and belonging.
With Mike, I’ve felt safe sharing my hopes, dreams, and even my doubts. He’s shared his world with me too, creating a comfortable space for us both to grow. It feels like we’ve found a missing piece to make our lives complete.
Being honest about who we are, including our good and bad sides, is brave. I’ve always been independent, but I’ve learned to share my vulnerabilities with Mike.
The amazing thing about being open is that it helps build trust. When we let our guard down, it encourages others to do the same. After a month of talking every day, it was clear that our connection was something special and lasting.
Finding someone who truly understands you makes it easy to relax and be yourself. With Mike, I’ve felt a peace and contentment I haven’t felt before.
Respecting and Accepting Each Other’s World
Spending more time together helped me see how special it is when we enjoy similar things, even if we have different tastes. Everyone’s life story is unique, shaped by their experiences, values, and hobbies. Mike and I had a chance to learn about each other’s pasts and how they’ve made us who we are today.
Mike loves playing video games, while I enjoy reading and writing (which is why I started this blog). Instead of comparing our hobbies, we saw them as a way to discover new things about each other. From the early months of our relationship, he knows already about my passion for Asian culture and literature.
We’re different people with different backgrounds. We grew up in different places and have different beliefs. But we respect each other’s thoughts and feelings. It feels like we’re building a bridge between our worlds to understand each other better.
Finding Common Ground
We both liked different things, but we also had some things in common. It’s great when you share similar interests because it’s easier to connect. We both enjoyed reading, but I prefer books while he reads online. We also loved watching movies. He doesn’t use social media because he likes to keep his life private. I admire that about him.
Here are some movies and series we watched over the course of our long distance relationship:
The Expanse
We actually watched a lot of movies and TV shows, but the ones I mentioned above were our favorites, especially Black Mirror.
Discovering shared interests is like finding a secret code between two people. It’s a special moment when you realize you both love the same books, movies, or enjoy exploring new places and trying different cuisines.
Expressing Love in Our Own Ways
One of the most beautiful aspects of a relationship is understanding each other’s love languages. Love languages are the different ways people express and receive love, and they play a crucial role in building a strong connection.
For some, it’s through words of affirmation, for others, acts of service, or physical touch. Understanding how your partner feels loved is important for a strong relationship. Mike and I learned to show love in ways that made each other feel special.
Continuation of Our In-Person Date in the City (4th Day)
Today, we decided to fuel our day with a hearty breakfast at Denny’s McKinley. Mike had been craving an American breakfast, and I was more than happy to indulge him. As we sat down with our plates filled with pancakes, bacon, and eggs, I couldn’t help but smile at how different our food preferences were.
For me, food is an adventure, and I’m open to trying almost anything—except for Dinuguan! Mike, on the other hand, has a particular fondness for Sisig and Lomi, claiming he could eat them every day. Our differing tastes made ordering food a fun experience, as we shared bites and tried each other’s favorites.
Denny’s is an iconic American diner that has been serving delicious, hearty meals for over 60 years. Here are some details about the Denny’s branch in McKinley, Taguig:
- Location: You can find Denny’s at Upper McKinley Road, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Taguig, City.
- Operating Hours: It’s open 24/7, so whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Denny’s has you covered.
- Contact Number: Feel free to call them at 0917-524-5058.
- Menu: Denny’s offers a wide variety of classic diner dishes, from fluffy pancakes to juicy burgers and everything in between.
- Ambiance: The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for any mealtime.
- Pet-Friendly: If you have a furry friend, Denny’s is pet-friendly, so you can enjoy your meal together.
Whether you’re a night owl craving a midnight snack or an early riser seeking a hearty breakfast, Denny’s McKinley is there to satisfy your cravings!
After breakfast, we headed to The Venice Piazza Mall. It was a charming place with its Italian-inspired architecture. We walked around the shops, took photos, and enjoyed the atmosphere.
It was a perfect time to relax and spend time together. I loved the lively feeling of the mall and getting to share this experience with Mike.
The Venice Grand Canal Mall, also known as Venice Piazza, is a unique shopping center located in McKinley Hill, Taguig, Metro Manila. Here are some fascinating details:
- Inspired by Venice: The mall’s architecture replicates the charm of Italy’s Grand Canal and elements from Macau. As you wander through, you’ll feel like you’re strolling along the picturesque canals of Venice.
- Gondola Rides: Yes, you read that right! You can hop on a traditional gondola ride with singing gondoliers. It’s a romantic experience that adds a touch of Italy to your day.
- Love Locks: Along the Ponte de Amore Bridge, you can hang a love lock—a symbol of your connection. It’s a sweet gesture that echoes the famous love locks tradition in Venice.
- Dining and Shopping: The mall offers a mix of international and local dining brands. Whether you’re craving Italian cuisine or exploring other flavors, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can shop for unique souvenirs and fashion finds.
- Pet-Friendly: If you have furry friends, they’re welcome to join you on your shopping spree. It’s a pet-friendly mall!
We laughed, took silly pictures, and admired the view. It felt like a dream to finally be together, exploring a new place and sharing our thoughts.
On our way back to the hotel, we noticed some jeepneys. Mike was amazed by how people got on and off while they’re moving, and couldn’t believe how many could fit into such a small space. It was a quintessential Filipino experience that left a lasting impression on him.
We had to change accommodation today, and we were excited about what would happen next.
Here’s one of my favorite songs that I dedicate to him.
Author’s Note
Food has been the best part of our trip so far! I’m surprised and happy that Mike is open to trying new foods. I’m also excited that he loves Filipino food, especially Sisig and Lomi. It’s been so much fun trying new flavors and sharing meals together. I can’t wait to have more adventures with him! Stay tuned for more of our story!
Disclaimer:
The experiences and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other individual or organization. The content is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors or omissions may occur. The author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for any damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
