Long-distance relationships (LDR) are hard. The distance can bring the most challenging situations to couples, and sometimes it can easily come between them. For some people, LDR is impossible to handle. Some couples just can't survive being apart for a long time, especially when living in different time zones.
Different factors can challenge LDR couples—time, resources, environment, and even one's well-being. Some are lucky to make it work, but that's not to say they don't have low moments. Like any relationship, LDR takes work, commitment, and effort.
There's no exact formula on how to maintain a long-distance relationship. It varies per couple, their goals, and their shared values. Nevertheless, we can learn from LDR couples how they take care of each other despite the distance. In this case, Bela Padilla and Swiss boyfriend Norman Bay are couple goals.
For Bela, her long-distance relationship with Norman, just makes sense. It has taught her a lot of things. "I think I’m definitely more understanding now that I’m in an LDR," Bela said in a podcast episode in 2021.
ICYDK, Norman is based in Switzerland. So back when Bela was still based in the Philippines, they put conscious effort into aligning their schedules so they could talk, even for just a few hours. And for Bela, it's what she looks forward to the most: the little moments they get to share even if it's just through virtual meet-ups.
Bela also once shared that LDR has its charms, and for her, it was the *kilig* she would always feel whenever they met personally. It feels like the first time, according to the actress. "Every time we see each other again, it's like the first time. Nahihiya ako, may initial kilig and awkwardness dahil ang tagal niyo hindi nagkita. I always look forward to those moments." Absence makes the heart grow fonder, indeed.
Norman seems to be the perfect match for Bela. The two started dating because Norman admitted how much he really wanted to be with Bela, even after trying to meet other people! He wanted to try despite the distance. His perseverance for Bela powered through as they celebrated their fourth anniversary of being together this year.
We wanted to ask Norman the secret to having a steady and successful long-distance relationship with Bela. But before we could ask him, we thought we already found the answer. His IG posts say a lot; how he speaks about Bela shows how he values and respects her as a partner. Read on as we show you how *swoon-worthy and romantic* Norman is whenever he posts dedications for Bela!
7 Times Bela Padilla's Boyfriend Swooned Us Over With His Sweet And Romantic Captions For Bela
1. Norman's first post about Bela.
It was in November 2020 when Norman first uploaded photos with Bela. It included a portrait of Bela and their first super sweet photo in his IG feed. The caption read, "Bela, conqueror of stone castles and hearts," indicated that the Bela conquered his heart.
2. Norman and Bela's Turkey trip
Norman is a man of simple words. He also loves the simple things about their relationship. In March 2021, he uploaded snaps from their trip to Turkey and we admired how Norman described their trip.
"Just a recollection of easy days, and of little things that are so precious. Thank you for making every day so special @bela," his post which included candid photos of Bela read.
3. Norman's first IG greeting for Bela
In May 2021, Norman greeted Bela with the sweetest and loveliest words we've read! He also posted candid photos of their usual video calls. It shows how much they enjoy spending time together, despite their LDR setup.
Norman conveyed in his caption how much Bela shines through their relationship, bringing so much ease and joy for the both of them. The caption was, "Your laugh makes me rejoice every day. To a year full of funny moments, joy, foolishness, amazing food, and success. This year will bring a lot of change and I’m certain your smile will guide you through it and your laugh will always make us feel at ease. Happy happy birthday my love."
4. Norman and his journey to find Bela's smile
Norman knows how to send kilig not just to Bela, but also to all of us! In his caption for a post about their trips to Venice and Verona, Italy in 2022, Norman's words speak volumes about the way he looks at Bela. Sana all!
He said, "While I'm clearly better at taking pictures of buildings, your smile is what I look for most @bela." Then, it came with a shot of a building with Bela's smile in front of it.
5. Norman's appreciation post for Bela
Norman is also living proof that you can always post a heartfelt appreciation post for your partner without needing it for a special occasion.
"To the powerful light that brings color into my life, that even at night I know I’m never alone. I love you, thank you for being there through everything and anything," Norman wrote on Instagram. Simple yet it speaks volumes about her love for Bela.
6. Another appreciation post from Norman
Who says guys can't write lengthy love letters on Instagram? Norman proves you all wrong. His post from August 2023 might be one of those IG posts that just gives you the romance you need for a day. Bela is one lucky girl!
Norman's post began with, "To taking it in. This one is for you my love @bela."
He continued with a bit of a cute explanation, "I know, I haven’t posted in a long time and I’m always cautious. I want these posts to mean something, be a picture of who I am and the things I enjoy. Though I also don’t want to give away too much and make anyone around me or myself feel uneasy."
Then he said, "Long story short, this is one of those rare moments where we just got to take it in. The sun finally showed shortly before I had to leave London again and there it was." This part referred to the photo he uploaded at the same time. It was a candid photo of Bela looking out the window as the sun made her face glow.
7. Norman's anniversary message for Bela
Okay, this might be our top favorite among Norman's posts for Bela. It's just so romantic.
In February 2024, Norman and Bela celebrated their fourth anniversary together. Norman expressed his love and contentment towards their relationship, which he described as the "four most exciting years with Bela."
His caption read, "When we got together 4 years ago we were far apart and just learned that we could not visit one another due to a global pandemic."
Then, he furthered by saying how their long-distance setup is a manifestation of their unwavering connection with each other. "We always had a bond that could withstand distance and time and we are proving it to each other. Incredibly excited for our life together. Happy anniversary." We're excited for both of you, Norman and Bela.
Stay in love, Norman and Bela. Stay in love.
