Meet Susan and Siva: our couple profile! Every four months Siva goes on an internship and the two of them go long distance. He’s been everywhere from Miami and San Francisco to Seattle and New York. Susan and Siva talk about long distance relationships and how they make it worth it. Check out their interview below!
Age: 22 (Both)
Program: SU: Science at Western; SS: Computer Engineering at Waterloo
Hometown: Toronto (Both)
How did you two meet?
SH: We met in high school. I remember knowing Siva’s name because he was always getting made fun of in class. It wasn’t until we had grade 11 physics class together when I finally knew his face.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone about long distance relationships?
SS: Communication! You should try and always plan trips; that way you can forward to things. It really makes the wait shorter.
SH: There’s always something to look forward to once you make plans to see each other. You have to really say what you want and communicate properly. You can’t beat around the bush about things because you can only see each other so often!
Is there anything you enjoy about being in a long distance relationship?
SU: I like how I get to hang out with my friends too. This type of relationship allows me to do other things in my life because I don’t have to worry about not spending every moment with Siva. Then when we see each other we can really enjoy and appreciate the time that we have together.
SS: Yeah, you get more space! We can also plan more elaborate dates for when we do see each other. We always try to do something fun when we meet.
What’s the most difficult part about being in a long distance relationship?
SH: Not being able to see each other when we want to. When you fight and you can’t see each other. It gets hard to argue with someone through Skype and it’s harder to resolve issues. It can get really frustrating.
SS: You have to talk to people online and not in person. It can get difficult; but Skype helps a lot!
SH: And he’s really different online versus in person, I find!
What has been your favourite visit to see Siva?
SS: I’d say New York. I was doing an internship there as a software developer and Susan came to visit me. There was lots of food there too [laughs]. We try and plan our trips while we’re visiting but sometimes we can get really busy, especially during school. I don’t plan as much as Susan though. She’s definitely a better planner than me.
SH: New York! There was so much to do there. I remember at the end of the trip when I got to the airport, someone asked if anyone was willing to get on a later flight and I volunteered! It was a nice surprise because I was able to go back to Siva for a few more hours.
Is there anything you would advise NOT to do in a long distance relationship?
SS: I think it’s the same as any other relationship: the same rules apply. The only thing that’s different is how often you see the other person. What not to do? Anything you wouldn’t do in any type of relationship… I don’t think anything changes. You wouldn’t leave a fight unresolved or have poor communication in a regular relationship either!
Do you remember your first date? Describe it!
SH: We went to go watch The Cabin in the Woods. We were 18 and we just came back to Toronto for our high school convocation. That was the first time we went on official “date.” It wasn’t really anything super special. Do you remember anything else?
SS: All I remember was that the movie was okay.
Does your he/she have any cool talents?
SH: He can spin anything on his finger. He’s actually pretty proud of it.
SS: She has pretty nice dance moves [laughs]. She also has a pretty good spice tolerance too; she can eat a lot of wasabi!
HOW WELL DO THEY KNOW EACH OTHER?
How do they take their coffee?
SH: Double double. But when he’s trying to be healthy he takes two milk and two sugars.
SS: Black.
Who’s the better driver?
SH: Him.
SS: Susan shouldn’t be allowed on the road.
What’s your favourite fast food place?
SS: McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Sweet and sour sauce.
SH: McDonald’s. Sometimes we share a ten piece…
SS: I’m pretty sure it’s a twenty piece [laughs].
What’s the last movie you two saw together in theatres?
SH: It was probably sometime during Christmas…
SS: I forget what we watched… Jackie I think?
Who wears the pants in the relationship?
SH: Hahaha, I think I have a photo that perfectly answers this question. Just refer to the photo below.
What is “your song”?
SS + SH: “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations.
What’s the first meal he/she ever cooked for you?
SS: Umm.. probably rice? Rice and tomatoes? No wait! She cut up radishes once.
SH: What? I don’t remember that at all, and radishes aren’t even a meal! The first meal he cooked was a curry and he kept putting the curry powder in. It was so spicy and we both got sick after!
What does your partner fear the most?
SS: Spiders?
SH: Mhm. He’s scared of the sound when spoons clash together or the sound when people bite down on their utensils… Here let me show you!
SS: No stop!