We met on a dating website, decided to get married - Naluyimba

Her story

Congratulations on your marriage as seen from the variety of photos shared on social media. Some people think you were simply putting up a show. They wonder if this marriage is real. Is it?
This is a real marriage, a beautiful and legal one that was desired by both my husband and I. It is going to stay that way until God decides otherwise. To the doubting Thomases, too bad I cannot let you peep into our hearts. You would feel the realness if you got access.

How did you meet?
We met in April 2016 online. Oh yes, online, on a dating App called tinder, which I now refer to as “Tender Tinder.” I was so busy being a focused student at the London School of Economics and Political Science also known as LSE without a social life until a reconnection with Graig, a friend staying in London led me to the world of dating apps. I landed on my prince and one word let to another and we were crossing Tower Bridge to see each other since as luck would have it, we were a few minutes away from each other. I am thankful to Graig. I would never have met this sweet decent loving human being who melted my stony heart in the matters of love. No wonder my friends are now calling me a traitor as I had vowed never to marry and I meant it too.

You mention of studies. What were you learning in London?
I was a pursuing a year’s Master’s course in Science, Population and Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The programme was an African Leadership scholarship.
How did the relationship grow overtime?
Through our friendly chats, we hit it off and we definitely had to meet. By the way, these conversations had no sex connotations at all and that is why I was enchanted. We talked about football a lot. People online can go astray and head straight for the point in a rather tasteless manner which was never the case with him.

What other attributes attracted you to him?
The fact that he came off as shy and I felt so comfortable and so right sitting with him without worrying whether or not he was a serial killer. There are scary online dating stories I must say. I am so free with him. He makes me laugh so hard. We have our silly beautiful jokes. I used to have a lot of nightmares but I like how he has on three different occasions told me, “Baby, I’m here.”

Who proposed?
While I said hello first, he is the one who indirectly proposed in September 2016. I did not say anything towards the premature proposal because I was obsessed with coming back to Uganda and rejoining NTV. But he kept on telling me of the numerous opportunities I would get here. Anyway, as time drew nearer and he realised that I would be going home, he proposed on November 1, 2016. I sought advice from a friend whom I had been giving updates on what was happening in my love life. After talking to her, I went back to him and said yes on November 2. He gave me an engagement ring at our favourite spot where we used to cross to see each other. I wailed like a baby and demanded a recording. I can be such a drama queen sometimes.

Having met in such a short time, don’t you feel this marriage was rushed?
We have been together for almost nine months now. I have not yet seen a divine rule about how long it should take someone to get married or die. It seems like life has a synonym in rush. If something is great, why “snail” your way around it? To what end? Moreover, I am a grown woman. I know what I want and what I do not. I want this man and he has been enthralled by me. Why should we stretch it? To be answerable to society which has some Stone Age notions on the marriage institution which is revolving by the way? He loves me; I love him, it is that simple. No one should suffer a heart attack trying to figure us out.

And since it was out of the country, won’t your loved ones back home feel bad about being left out of the ceremony?
I had an older brother who walked me to my husband at the register’s. Anyway, my loved ones knew what was going on when the time for them to know was deemed right. They are happy for me and that is what matters. If someone is not happy, they will have to get over it. Besides, how many would come out here, and then again, when you tell people you are getting married, some harbour fears that you may expect them to contribute to your wedding. Hubby and I took care of almost everything. My mother-in-law was a big help too.

Is there anything you would wish he changes about his character?
Frankly, I love this man so much; probably it is the reason why I have been blind to any irritants. We have done our best to be happy together and ignored anything that would cause us stress. This world has enough stress and we are not going to add to it. He always makes an extra effort to see to it that we are at peace despite any silly arguments.

How are you spending your honeymoon?
We have been honeymooning since we met because London is a new home for both of us. I have been here for a year and four months while he is making a year. He is back at work. For now, we are in no rush to visit any particular city but he would like to first come to Uganda.

Where are you planning on starting a family?
Like I previously mentioned, he has just started his career in London from France. Other factors constant, this is a city growing exponentially and frankly moving to Uganda just now would be a miscalculation on all levels for him. So for now, we are fixated on the United Kingdom until further notice.

His story

Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Sylvain Blondel. I am French. I am 32 years old and so is Florence.
What attracted you to Florence?
Her joy and happiness. She is always smiling and in a good mood. She sees the good side of life and is hopeful. Also, she is a strong person and very independent. It is all you can hope for, from a modern woman, and on top of that, she is beautiful. In general, she has a good mindset.

Is there anything about her personality that you would wish her to change?
That’s a hard question but there is nothing we can’t work out.