Couple goals

College sweethearts recall how they met and fell in love

Falling in love is a beautiful feeling. Doubly so when the feeling is reciprocated! This Valentine’s, To be You talked to university students who are balancing their academics alongside being in a relationship. It’s kilig season—let’s fall in love with these #couplegoals! Study Buddies: Justine (21, University of Santo Tomas) and Iris (20, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Medical student Justine and future lawyer Iris both have courses that take a lot of time and energy, but they find rest and strength in each other.

How did you meet?

We met two years ago at UST while he was studying and I was visiting for a conference, but didn’t get close until I helped his cousin (who is coincidentally my cousin’s best friend) with a school project .

When and how did you know it was love?

Specifically, Oct. 1, 2019, we were both doing work—he on his thesis, I on a paper—he kept looking back and forth between his laptop and me, there would be some moments where he’d take deep breaths and say stuff like, “You got me so good,” “You’re so different, so special,” “I’ve never felt this way before,” and a lot more. We didn’t say “I love you” until a few days later, but I knew that day that it was love.

How long have you been together?

We’ve been officially together for six months!

What do you like about each other?

Iris: I like that he listens to me and he remembers every little detail. He always makes sure I’m okay and that I’m feeling good. And when I’m sick, he always knows what to do and how to help me get better. He feels like home to me.

Justine: I like that she never lets me feel alone, when we’re out (like when we’re with friends) she doesn’t leave my side and she always checks up on me. I like that she can be a baby, but she can also take care of me at the same time. I like that I can talk to her about anything and I don’t ever have to pretend to be anyone but myself around her.

Favorite thing to do together:

Eat! We eat too much together! Every time we’re together the first question is: What are we going to eat today?