I want to share with you a short story about love and language barriers, because some people out there think that it’s not right to fall in love with someone who’s completely different from you.
Well, in terms of language, at least. But I’m a sucker for romance, so take a moment to read this:
Candice took a whiff of the old books in the library and smiled to herself. It had been 10 years since she had stepped into this room and interestingly enough, nothing had changed. Her father’s collection of research journals on molecular and rotational energy levels were still here. She’d remember the days her father would share information with her about variational quantum simulations and intractable molecules, and how she’d stare up at him in wonder…
Although she understood her father’s ambitions to be a world-class scientist, his second passion enticed her the most: Classical music. And because she showed so much interest in it, she became a seasoned pianist, among all the other things she did. Guess the classes back in primary school were not in vain.
A knock on her door interrupted her train of thought and she directed a stern “come in” to the visitor.
“Bonjour. You are uh, Miss Candice, yes?” His accent… He sounded like he was from West Africa, possibly a country where French was mostly prominent. A body entered the room, a devilishly handsome one at that, Candice had to admit. But he was not here for a potential romance. He was here because of her father – this man in a casual shirt and jeans.
“Mr Akintola, welcome to my father’s library. I have been waiting for you for over 20 minutes, but I am sure you were aware of that. Nonetheless, welcome. I’m sure you will enjoy looking through his vast collection. Please do excuse the dust, we hardly come here.”
Candice approached him and stuck a hand out for him to shake. By the look in his eyes, he seemed a little off, almost as if he was intimidated by her. But Candice did not mind, most men were. She was a tall brunette with an air of sophistication around her. She loved dressing up in the finest designer clothes, but kept her wardrobe mostly monotone.
“My apology, I don’t speak, uh, English very good…” he said, reaching for her hand. Candice didn’t think too much of the language barrier, but she couldn’t stop admiring his face. It was as if he stepped right out of a GQ magazine. She realised she was overthinking and quickly pulled her hand back, but knew that something had sparked. And finding out why was going to be a journey.
That, friends, is how romance begins. It doesn’t matter what language you speak, what type of person you are, love can happen anywhere at any time. It takes one simple spark to transform your world completely. Unfortunately, some people ignore their feelings and deny them, even though that’s how emotions grow stronger.
Denying your feelings may be difficult, but hey, if you’re hit with Cupid’s arrow, then it is what it is. Love is unpredictable and beautiful, and not restricted to your tribe, race or language. And if there are any restrictions, it’s only fair to make a way, right? Why not learn your partner’s language? Why not teach your partner your language? As they say, communication is one of the main keys of a healthy and loving relationship. Yes, it may be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up.
If a man can walk 170km to see his wife, I’m sure you can learn a language for love, right?
