Illustration image of a man waiting to board. Picture: Pexels
As the month of love comes to an end, stories of romance and the complexities of love emerge.
One such tale comes from Suleiman (@yip33kiyay), a content creator whose recent post has resonated with many online and sparked discussion about the lengths people go to for love.
Suleiman revealed that he embarked on an incredible journey, travelling over 10 000 miles from the northern hemisphere in the United Kingdom to the southern hemisphere in South Africa.
His mission? To meet the woman he believed was the love of his life. Tragically, upon arrival, he faced rejection.
“I travelled 10,000+ miles for a girl who doesn’t even want me,” he lamented, expressing his disappointment after a rigorous two-day trek.
@yip33kiyay Took me 2 days to Travel. Hopefully I get appreciated one day #fyp #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktokuk #viral #xyzbca #muslimtiktok #browntiktok ♬ original sound - WhoLiqx⚡️ - Flqz🥷🏾
In a world where online connections often take precedence, Suleiman’s experience struck a chord with netizens who rushed to console him.
@the_traveljunkie empathised: “You deserve better. When things happen that way, you were saved from a nightmare.”
Similarly, @beautyluxebysuraya voiced her frustration with modern dating: “Why is it so hard for people to be honest in today's time?”
Encouragement also came from @carmy2909, who reminded Suleiman to keep faith in love, declaring, “Never give up on love no matter what love throws at you.”
This story is not an isolated incident; countless individuals have shared similar experiences of disappointment in the often unpredictable realm of online romance.
One notable case is that of Onijah Andrew Robinson, a 33-year-old American who recently became a sensation in Pakistan after travelling to Karachi to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon.
However, their romance unravelled when it was revealed that Robinson had misrepresented herself during their online exchanges, using a filter to appear as a blonde white woman when she is actually a black woman.
Despite her newfound fame in Pakistan, Robinson has since departed the country, leaving a storm of questions about the nature of online connections.
For those who find themselves in similar situations, Dr Kelly Campbell, associate professor of psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, offers valuable advice on navigating the emotional fallout of dystopian romances.
In a discussion on Bumble, she emphasises the importance of allowing oneself to process the experience, stating, “Give yourself room to breathe and clarify the experience instead of masking that fishy aftertaste.”
Taking a short break from seeking romantic relationships can be beneficial, according to Campbell.
She urges individuals to lean on supportive friends or, if possible, seek a therapist's counsel, assuring that good outcomes are attainable over time.
"It’s crucial to acknowledge feelings of embarrassment and release guilt for feeling naïve in the face of unreciprocated love," Campbell adds.
“Forgive yourself, find your joy, and dive into it until you feel good.”
These words resonate as many navigate the complexities of love in our digital age.
As stories like Suleiman’s continue to surface on social media, they remind us that love – while beautiful – can also lead to heartache.
Whether it’s a journey of ten thousand miles or a mere click of a button, each story of love is unique, illustrating the profound yearning for connection that defines the human experience.