There’s a secret I carry—a story that keeps replaying in my head late at night. When I became an NRI, I didn’t realize how my relationship back in India would be tested in ways I couldn’t imagine. I want to confess how hard it is to love someone across continents, and the surprising things I learned about myself along the way.
When I first left for work in Canada, my partner and I promised to stay strong. We scheduled video calls in awkward time zones, texted good mornings and good nights. We sent each other little surprises and acted like distance was just a number. For a while, we believed our love could conquer anything.
But as weeks turned to months, cracks started to show. The loneliness over here felt different—bigger, quieter, harder. I watched friends go on dates, celebrate anniversaries, hold hands in public. Meanwhile, my partner and I started arguing about silly things: who didn’t reply fast enough, who forgot a special day, who seemed “distant” on the phone.
I missed the physical closeness—hugs after a bad day, the comfort of familiar arms. In a moment of weakness, I started opening up to a friend here. Our friendship deepened, and before I realized, I developed feelings I couldn’t ignore. I felt guilty, ashamed, torn between old promises and new desires. I never cheated physically, but my heart was conflicted.
The next time I visited India, nothing felt the same. Our conversations were strained, and the spark was dimmer. My partner noticed, and we had our first real talk about whether distance was turning us into strangers. I cried, admitting that I’d changed, and I didn’t know if our relationship could survive this new life.
Ultimately, we decided to take a break—a “pause” that turned into something more permanent. The breakup was quiet, without blame or anger. Both of us knew we’d grown apart, shaped by the realities of NRI life.
I share this not for sympathy, but because NRI relationships are filled with unspoken struggles. The world sees the glamour and adventure but not the endless waiting, the misunderstandings, the aching loneliness. Sometimes love isn’t enough, and that’s okay.
If you’re going through something similar—know you’re not alone. Loving across continents is brave, but it’s also okay to admit when things aren’t working. You deserve honesty, happiness, and love, whether that’s across the ocean or right next door.
