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6 couples tell us how they met their 'special person', their 'Bok Boks'

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This past weekend South African golfer Jared Harvey accidentally sent a loving voice note meant for his girlfriend to his golfing Whatsapp group. The syrupy sweet note went viral as he referred to his love as his 'Bok Boks' and 'special person'. Listen to the viral voice note here. Sweet man.

We asked a few couples about their 'special person'. 

Natalie (31) and David (32)

Together for 15 months, engaged.

“We met on Tinder officially, but went to school together when we were younger.”

First impression of him – “I immediately felt comfortable around him, for a change the first date never actually felt strained and the fact that we had a shared background to draw from really facilitated the flow of conversation, plus it didn’t and still doesn’t hurt that he was and always will be dashingly handsome.”

First impression of her – “Well I was pleased to have met someone with similar interests and she seemed a genuine person that I was really enjoying chatting to so conversation flowed when we first started chatting. (Plus there was no sign of crazy so that was a bonus!).  Then when we met I thought to myself ‘WOW, you've gotten really hot’.

"And a year later I still want to spend all my time with her so nothing has changed. Except I’ve fallen madly in love - and she has let the crazy out.”

Why do you think you are still together?

Natalie – “We have a similarly relaxed style and sense of humour, we share common interests (wine and running) and our (life) goals are aligned. We are best friends and partners in crime. Naturally the power of attraction should also not be underestimated.”

David – “Other than our compatible personality types, we have very similar interests and we've become best friends because of it.  Time spent doing things we enjoyed before we met has become enriched as I can share the experience with someone who enjoys doing them as much.

"Time spent with her is easy and I don't feel like one of us is constantly trying to make the other happy but rather that we're just happy being with each other.  There's obviously a physical attraction too.”

Naseeha (24) and Thaakir (24)

Married for one year.

Just because ? #husband #myfavorite

A post shared by Naseeha Bhyat (@naseeha_b_) on

“We met through mutual friends. He’s the best friend of someone I study with, so gradually we started hanging out together and got to know each other better that way.”

First impression of him –“I thought he had this too cool for school attitude, what with his modified car and oversized shades. But when we had our first conversation I realised what an amazing person he really is.

First impression of her – “I thought she was jaw-droppingly beautiful, and I believed she was way out of my league. But man, I desperately wanted to be her friend because she came across as such a cool person.”

Why do you think you are still together?

Naseeha – “He has such a big heart and has so much patience with me. Also, he buys me bags and always takes me to Baskin-Robbins, so I appreciate that about him too (laughs).”

Thaakir – “Because she takes really good care of me in all departments, and I’m afraid nobody will spoil me the way she does, haha.”


Alex (29) and Nicole (24)

Dating for 2 years and 2 months.

Just hanging out by the river at the end of the street.

A post shared by Alex Isaacs (@allblackally) on

“We met on Tinder.”

First impression of Nicole – “I thought Nicole was gorgeous from the moment I saw her. I also thought it was really cute how her picture featured her in front of a wine barrel and in her bio she said she loved snacks.”

First impression of Alex – “I was super late to our first date (sorry again!) and when I got there, Alex was just drinking whiskies at the bar, so I immediately knew she was my kind of woman. And as soon as we started chatting, she won me over with her dry humour, confidence, and adorable smile.”

Why do you think you are still together?

Alex – “I think that we're still together because we've both done work on communicating our needs and not letting things slide when they bother us. Also we're both cute. That helps.”
 
Nicole - “I think it's really important to always make time for each other, even when things get crazy with work, or family, etc. Whether it's having a fancy date night at a nice restaurant, or just sitting at home watching series, we always try to carve out time for just the two of us to relax and connect. And we never take each other for granted."

Emma (26) and Justin (42)

Dating for 6 years.

"We met officially at a casting for GQ magazine when I was 19."

First impressions of Justin - "I first became aware of Justin when I was 13 years old. I wanted to be a model when I grew up and started researching all the top players in the industry and I noticed Justin’s name appeared alongside most fashion editorials.

"I started stalking him on Facebook (pretty much the only social media platform back then). Fast-forward a few years and I met Justin at a GQ casting in my underwear. My first impression of him was a little mixed due to Cape Town’s gossip scene and I wasn’t sure how I felt about him.

"After spending time with him I realised I had found my soul mate. Justin turned out to be the most loving, loyal, selfless and emotionally smart human being I have ever met."

First impressions of Emma -  "I met Emma at a casting and was immediately struck by her intriguing beauty. I didn’t book her for the job because I wanted to 'save' her for something better. We were both in relationships at the time but started chatting as friends. We went our separate ways and I ended up spending the year in New York.

"When I got back we were both single, it was the beginning of season and there were lots of events happening. We started to go as each others plus ones. Although it  was very unassuming it soon became apparent that we also got on really well.

"Our first kiss was the classic goodnight kiss at her apartment door with a belly full of butterflies. The relationship got more serious when I invited her to meet Bond, my (our) golden retriever.

"My impression of her then is the same as it is now, Emma is what you would call the full package, beautiful looking, both classic and interesting, great personality, brilliant mind, creative soul, healthy living, honest, loving and very reliable. I am a lucky guy."

Why do you think you are still together?

Emma - "Justin is my soul mate in every sense. We started dating when I was still fairly young and he has helped me grow and develop into a person I’m proud to be. Our relationship is easy in every way, almost like he’s been there by my side from day one.

"We communicate, we trust, we love and admire each other. I still get butterflies in my stomach when I’m lying on the couch at night cuddled up with Justin and our golden retriever, Bond, and think to myself how did I get this lucky?"

Justin - "Emma and I are partners in every sense of the word. Living, loving and working together. From my side the longevity of the relationship relies on the fact that I admire her and fall in love with her again and again.

"The attraction is not one dimensional and we are as good friends as we are lovers and collaborators. Relationships, like life, have highs and lows and I feel it is important that through everything there is a level of trust in one another. We act like mirrors for each other, I can see myself through her eyes and she can see herself through mine."

Tebatso (21) and Justin (24)

Dating for 1 year, 2 months.

“We met on Instagram.”

First impression of Tebatso - “She’s different. I like different.”

First impressions of Justin - “He’s so shy, it’s cute! He didn’t turn out to be shy for too long though. He was easygoing and it made me comfortable.”

Why do you think you're still together?

Tebatso - Justin doesn’t sugarcoat anything and he keeps me grounded, we bring out the best in each other and push each other to achieve the best. Respect also goes a long way.

Justin - “I think we're still together cause we know it's meant to be. And because we are so passionate about and invested in each other.”

Gerwen (33) and Benjamin (34)

Together for 12 years, married with a baby.

“Ben was in SA (he's French) doing an internship for his Masters. We met in a club in Long Street, the old 169 that is now Neighbourhood. I was out with my sister and a friend and they were out on a boys’ night. One of the guys knew my sister so they came to chill with us.”

First impressions of Ben - "I thought he was cute but it wasn't love at first sight. I had just come out of a long distance relationship so I didn't want to go through that again. He had a really thick French accent so when he asked to kiss me I didn't understand what he was saying. I thought he was asking me out on a date. I didn't want to be rude so I just answered 'maybe'. He kissed me, and the rest is history."

First impressions of Gerwen - "Late at night in a crowded club in Long Street Gerwen was standing out in the crowd, wearing white jeans and a black top. We had a great party and something was telling me we should meet again. She intentionally delayed her replies to my SMS."

Why do you think you’re still together?

Gerwen - "In the beginning it was tough. We were really young so there was a big gap in communication. Learning French helped. But besides the language and cultural barrier, we wanted to make it work.

"We have the same values. I can honestly say he’s my best friend. He brings out the best in me when I can only see the faults. We welcomed our son Luca in April and seeing him as a father melts my heart. I love him and I love my life with him."
 
Ben - "We met at a time when cellphones still had keypads and social media was just a vague concept. We are both very proud of what we have created together so far and are still looking in the same direction.

"Our tempers are pretty different, but we complete each other to perfection. I keep on learning about Gerwen and it's a wonderful feeling to know that I have a lifetime to discover more and more from and about her. She is the person I want to be with, it's as simple as that."

Images: Supplied

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