Love blossomed through empathy.
Standing at a mere 1.28 meters tall, Phan Thi Phuong (born in 1994, from Cao Xanh ward, Quang Ninh province) has not had an easy journey in establishing a stable life and finding happiness.
Phuong suffers from pituitary insufficiency, a growth hormone deficiency, so at 32 years old, she still has a petite figure like a child.
Because of her body image issues, she became withdrawn throughout her school years. When she turned 20, she decided to learn a trade and find a suitable job to support herself.
“I ignored all the stares, struggled to sell clothes on the sidewalk, then livestreamed online sales… After that, I went to a center for resilience in Hanoi to learn photo editing.”
"Here, I found the happiness of my life – something I never dared to dream of before," Phuong shared.
That young man is Ho Viet Nhut (born in 1991, Chien Dan commune, Da Nang ) – who shares the same circumstances as Phuong. He suffers from pituitary gland dysfunction, causing his height to stop at 1.43 meters.
In 2020, the two met through social media, but it wasn't until two years later that they officially started chatting. That day, Phuong posted a sad message, and Nhut, feeling sympathetic, offered words of comfort.
They found understanding in each other, but because of the distance, Phuong didn't dare think about the future.
That same year, Nhut decided to go to Hanoi to learn a trade at the Center for Empowering Lives. Phuong and two other friends went to the airport to pick him up.
Upon their first meeting, Nhựt grew even more fond of the petite, cute girl. Meanwhile, Phương only then dared to think more deeply about their relationship.
"If he were an ordinary man, I probably wouldn't dare open my heart because I know I can't fulfill the roles of wife and mother like other women."
"Luckily, we share similar circumstances, so we understand each other and decided to be together out of love, not for any other reason," Phuong shared.
"I must marry her at all costs."
The love between the tiny couple deepened during their years of studying and working in Hanoi.
Nhut was gentle and attentive to Phuong in every way. Every time they went out to eat, he would pick out the best pieces for her. Every time they went for a walk, he would pull his girlfriend to walk on the inside while he walked on the outside, shielding her.
Those little acts of kindness made Phuong's feelings for this young man grow stronger.
For his part, Nhut knew he had to marry the girl from Quang Ninh after a health setback.
"That year, I contracted COVID-19, and my health deteriorated so badly that the doctors had to call my family from Da Nang to come and take care of me."
"When I was at my weakest, Phuong didn't give up. She was small and frail, but every day after work she came to the hospital to take care of me. I realized that she was my wife, and I had to marry her at all costs," Nhut recounted.
Nhựt's parents supported the couple's relationship from the beginning. For years, Phương's mother had worried that her daughter would be at a disadvantage if she got married, advising her to stay with her parents, but when she met Nhựt, they happily gave their blessing to the couple.
However, when it comes to the wedding, Phuong is still full of worries. The two families live 600km apart, and both of them value family and want to live near their parents. Phuong worries that they won't be able to agree on where to live after getting married.
And that worry was dispelled thanks to a promise from Nhut.
"He said our jobs are flexible, so we can work from anywhere. Therefore, after we get married, we'll alternate between Quang Ninh and Da Nang, moving every six months," Phuong recounted.
Having agreed on this matter, the couple happily entered into marriage after a lavish wedding ceremony held in July 2024.
Phuong's family prepared 60 tables of food, inviting nearly 400 guests to celebrate. Nhut's family also prepared 40 tables of food, inviting a large number of relatives, neighbors, and friends to attend.
"Many people who didn't receive invitations also came to congratulate us. The wedding of the tiny couple was probably unusual and special, so everyone was filming and taking pictures," Nhựt recounted.
For the past two years, true to Nhut's promise, the couple has been alternating between Da Nang and Quang Ninh. Last year, Phuong celebrated Tet at her husband's family home, and this year, she is looking forward to celebrating Tet at her parents' home.
Phuong and Nhut's lives have become happier and warmer since they came together. While Phuong used to feel uncertain about the future, Nhut's companionship and support have given her more confidence in the path ahead.
"We both work from home, so we're always together. In our free time, we hang out and enjoy life."
"We don't think about things too far into the future; having each other in the present is enough," Phuong confided.
Photo: Phuong Nhut's Tiny House
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/co-gai-quang-ninh-cao-1m28-lay-chong-xa-600km-vi-mot-loi-hua-hen-2561136.html
