Australian Speech Pathologist, Nic, is no stranger to big life changes. They live their story by weaving together their work and home worlds. After three years based in London, Nic moved back to Sydney last September – just in time to meet Gemma. Their relationship has blossomed into a profound partnership, culminating in marriage and the purchase of their first flat together in Sydney’s inner west.
Nic’s story started on the rugby pitch, where they learned the importance of collaboration and nurtured a deep-seated appreciation for working with others. Nic was still reticent at first to engage in a romantic relationship with Gemma. They openly expressed that they were “not in the market for a serious relationship,” feeling uncertain about dating while planning to move back to Australia in a few months.
Their first date was memorable. As it turned out, this was just indicative of how well out-of-the-box thinkers and visionaries like Nic display their creative sense of style. The couple quickly found common ground, leading to a second date that surprised Nic, who had reservations about getting involved.
As their creative partnership blossomed, Nic thought it prudent to inject a little mischief. He jokingly tucked their favourite Vegemite pjs under Gem’s pillow. This gesture marked the evolution of their romance, demonstrating their fondness and tenderness developing between them even with Nic’s atypical doubts at first.
Though living in separate countries at the time, the couple quickly fell in love and developed a strong bond. Even though Gemma was the first one to notice the brittleness in their relationship, Nic started feeling it much sooner. For Gemma though, the metamorphosis first started becoming really obvious right after they got married.
A few days before Nic left for her move, Gemma articulated her fear about Nic’s upcoming relocation, “What am I going to do when you’re gone?” This pronouncement showed the affective stakes of their intimacy. In the process, they shaped their individual trajectories as they went along, all while continuing to build a powerful connection.
After some time dating, Nic and Gemma took the jump into marriage. The pandemic led them to commit to one another in ways they hadn’t yet done. The couple later acquired a cavoodle named Billie, adding joy and companionship to their lives as they settled into their new home.