After three and a half years of long-distance dating and only meeting twice, a Vietnamese woman and a Belgian man have found happiness together, now living a peaceful life in Dak Lak.
After three and a half years of online conversations - one in Vietnam and the other in Belgium - Thanh Thuy and Men Cheo (also known as Mati) decided to register their marriage during their second meeting. Despite the geographical distance and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, their love story flourished against the odds.
Falling in Love Through a Dating App
The couple's first trip during Cheo's visit to Vietnam in 2019
Thuy, a 30-year-old from Dak Lak, met Cheo, a 33-year-old from Belgium, in late 2018 through a dating app. Initially, Cheo had sent a greeting to Huong, Thuy’s twin sister, on the app. Since Huong didn’t speak English, Thuy responded on her behalf.
With a background in English, Thuy easily conversed with Cheo. “At first, I was just practicing my English with Cheo,” Thuy recalls. “I didn’t think I would end up dating someone from abroad.”
Over time, their casual exchanges turned into meaningful conversations. Eventually, Thuy revealed her true identity to Cheo, fearing he might be upset. However, Cheo’s response reassured her: “It doesn’t matter. I’ve been talking to you because I like our conversations, not because of a name or profile picture.”
After this revelation, their connection deepened. Although Cheo suggested meeting in person several times, Thuy wasn’t initially ready. She had never considered dating a foreigner.
At one point, Thuy doubted the future of their relationship and stopped responding to Cheo’s messages. But after three weeks of silence, Cheo reached out to her sister to check on her safety and well-being. “That touched me and changed my perspective on our relationship,” Thuy shares.
The First Meeting
Throughout more than 2 years of long-distance relationship, Thuy and Cheo talked to each other every day.
The more they talked, the more Thuy felt Cheo’s sincerity. Finally, in late 2019, Cheo flew to Vietnam to meet Thuy for the first time, coinciding with her birthday. At that time, Thuy was working in Ho Chi Minh City, not yet back in Dak Lak.
“Cheo was exactly as I imagined, and we quickly became close,” Thuy recalls. Cheo’s visit lasted three months, during which they traveled together, experiencing Vietnamese culture during the festive season. Cheo was particularly impressed with the food and the warmth of the Vietnamese people.
Long-Distance Love During the Pandemic
After Cheo returned to Belgium, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the couple into a long-distance relationship for over two years.
“As the pandemic worsened, we prepared ourselves for a long wait. We hoped to see each other soon but focused on staying healthy,” Thuy explains.
Whenever the pandemic situation improved, they were overjoyed. Cheo kept in constant contact with the embassy, ready to fly back to Vietnam as soon as possible. “He joked that the embassy staff must recognize him by now from all his inquiries,” Thuy says.
Nearly a year after registering their marriage, the couple finally had their wedding.
Despite the distance, the couple maintained their bond by video calling every day. They enjoyed sharing their daily lives and felt confident in their understanding of each other, even though they had only met once in person.
“We set a specific time for our daily video calls. Cheo was always punctual, and if he had to be late, he’d let me know in advance,” Thuy shares.
In May 2022, when Vietnam reopened after the pandemic, Cheo immediately flew back for their second meeting. This time, they decided to register their marriage. Nearly a year later, they held a wedding ceremony with both families present. In August 2023, Thuy visited Cheo’s family in Belgium, and the couple recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary.
A Belgian Farmer in Vietnam
Cheo enjoys working on the farm in his wife's hometown.
Now, the couple lives in Dak Lak, where Thuy creates content for social media, sharing their peaceful and sweet life, which has garnered admiration from many. Cheo, on the other hand, tends to his own garden, indulging his passion for farming.
“Cheo loves gardening,” Thuy says. “He’s investing time in learning more to pursue farming full-time. He enjoys the freedom and connection to nature that comes with working the land. Even though he wasn’t used to manual labor before, he’s willing to get his hands dirty and doesn’t mind the hard work.”
Thuy’s father was initially concerned about Cheo working in the fields, worried that the labor would be too strenuous. But Cheo, aware of these concerns, would always remind his father-in-law to invite him along. “Whatever my father does, Cheo wants to do too,” Thuy says. “He comes home covered in dirt and sweat but always with a big, bright smile.”
Cheo often jokes that working in the fields is like a fun day out, where he gets to exercise and enjoy the company of plants. Thuy can tell that he genuinely loves this work.
A Simple Life, Simply Happy
Cheo adapted very quickly to life in Vietnam.
Reflecting on their relationship, Thuy admits she initially worried about Cheo adjusting to life in Vietnam. During their first meeting, she lived in a modest room in the city, far less comfortable than the lifestyle Cheo was used to. But when they finally met, all of her concerns disappeared.
“Cheo surprised me with his simplicity and quick adaptability. He eats whatever I eat and does whatever I do. He rarely shops or spends on himself,” Thuy shares.
Cheo’s happiness comes from the simple joys of life, not from material possessions or luxury. “He doesn’t impose any standards on me. Cheo loves me for who I am and always encourages me to be myself,” Thuy says.
With Cheo by her side, Thuy feels at ease and genuinely comfortable. She appreciates not only his love for her but also his kindness towards everyone around her, including her family.
Currently, the couple is content with their life in Vietnam, embracing each day with joy and gratitude.
Vietnamnet.vn
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