Cross-cultural love story written by American dad

Her profile featured a cheerful photo of her giving a big, radiant smile, which prompted a friend request from Michael’s profile.

Upon perusing at this potential match, as recommended by the website, Son discovered that Michael came from Minnesota (USA) and had an interest in Japanese cuisine.

"I was studying Japanese, so I decided to initiate a conversation," Son recalled. However, to her surprise, the responses came not from Michael himself, but his father – a statistics professor at the University of Minnesota.

"Hello, this is Michael’s father. You’re probably very surprised to receive this message. My son is a reserved person who’s too engrossed in his studies, so I had to help him out." Indeed, it was all Michael’s father – he had created the profile, and he had sent Son the friend request.

Son and Michael during their first romantic trip to the Central Highlands Town of Da Lat, July 2022. Photo courtesy of Son and Michael

The pair finally got to talk to each other. Son found herself deeply impressed by Michael’s softness and sophistication, while it was her bright, smart appearance and excellent command of English that left a lasting impression on Michael.

"She was like a soft breeze that soothed my mind and soul," he said.

As their connection deepened, Son and Michael transitioned from occasional texting to more frequent conversations. They navigated their personal lives together: Son focused on finalizing her graduation thesis and seeking internship opportunities, while Michael diligently pursued his PhD candidacy. Despite the geographical distance, their bond strengthened through daily chats and Saturday night video calls.

At the close of 2020, Michael took a significant step: he asked Son to be his girlfriend.

This marked the official beginning of their long-distance relationship. Michael’s father then also became his relationship guru.

"Tell her that you miss her. Express your love sincerely, and remind her how beautiful she is. Don’t forget to ask about her day. Show her that you’re genuine; it’s what matters in the end," the doting father told his son.

Michael learned to become the dependable partner that Son could always count on – one who listens attentively and creates a safe space for her to share her thoughts and feelings.

Son and Michael on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City, following their introduction to Son's college friends in July 2022. Photo courtesy of Son and Michael

On Thanksgiving 2021, Michael finally introduced Son to his family and his girlfriend over a video call. Son’s openness and authenticity immediately struck a chord with Michael’s parents. She shared stories of her life, career, and family as if there were no geographical barriers.

They ended up spending four hours talking together, with Michael’s parents sharing fond memories of their only child’s childhood, including his early musical talent and consistent academic excellence while in school. These achievements led to a university scholarship and admission to a doctorate program, all without paying any tuition.

However, Son’s family did not approve of this relationship, for fear of all of this being a scam. The idea of someone with privileged backgrounds and a seemingly perfect profile loving a girl like their daughter felt too good to be true.

As an attempt to bridge the gap between her family and Michael, Son arranged for them to talk over video calls. Michael showed up very well-groomed during one of their weekly calls, wearing a blue shirt and a tie, and greeted Son’s family in Vietnamese with his less-than-perfect accent, earning everyone’s appreciation.

Soon after, parents of the two had their first conversation, where Michael’s parents expressed their appreciation for the couple’s commitment to maintaining their relationship. They also regretted not being able to visit Vietnam soon due to Covid-19.

The time for the couple to meet in person finally came in July 2022. Michael promptly booked flight tickets as soon as Vietnam opened its doors to foreign visitors. After 2 years of being thousands of miles from each other and 26 hours of flying from the U.S., Michael and Son finally stood face-to-face. Arriving at Tan Son Nhat airport at 1 a.m., Son greeted him in a bright red dress that made her stand out from the crowd.

She had a smile that radiated warmth and joy, Michael said. Without hesitation, he hurried to her side, and the couple shared their first embrace.

"You look exactly like how I imagined," Michael said to Son. "I am so happy to see you." For the entire ride back from the airport, they couldn’t let go of each other’s hands.

The couple spent the next month creating countless memories together. From weekend getaways to various cities, to time spent with Son’s father on the rice fields, Michael took the chance to understand Vietnam and the way of life of its people. He also got to celebrate his birthday with Son’s family in the southern province of Dong Nai. Surrounded by her family, amidst the laughter, warmth, and heartfelt conversations, Michael had a moment of revelation.

"It was then that I knew I had to marry her. She’s my other half," Michael said.

Michael celebrates his 28th birthday alongside Son's family in southern Dong Nai province. Photo courtesy of Son and Michael

The couple started taking care of the marriage paperwork in October 2022, a process that spanned 18 months. Michael took the chance to visit his fiancée for the second time during the summer of 2023. Over this month-long visit, despite Michael juggling between studying and working part-time jobs for extra income, the two managed to find time for a pre-wedding photoshoot in Central Highlands town of Da Lat.

Michael was also introduced to Son’s extended family when he became one of the groomsmen at her brother’s wedding ceremony.

At Son’s visa interview in late December 2023, the couple’s love story, especially the involvement of Michael’s dad in helping his son find a partner, impressed visa officers at the U.S Consulate in Vietnam. American parents typically pay little attention to their child’s private life.

Michael summed it up: "Had it not been for my dad, I would not be dating anyone."

This upcoming May, Michael will complete his PhD and travel to Vietnam for his wedding ceremony with Son, accompanied by his parents. Meanwhile, in the U.S., another ceremony awaits Son, along with a cozy home prepared by her devoted fiancé.

After four years of long-distance love, they are finally embarking on a new journey and building a new life together, under the same roof.