‘All right, all right, we can talk about it later. For now, let’s focus on my next post, okay? It’s going to be epic!’ She avoids the conversation and continues to shoot pictures and videos on her phone.

‘You seem distracted. What are you posting?’ I’m so mad now that I almost want to shout at her for never being fully present in the moment.

‘Just making an IG story about this huge dinner date that you’ve put together for me hitting a million followers!’ She laughs playfully.

‘But won’t that be lying to your followers? Because I had no such intention,’ I say; my voice is louder than usual.

‘No, babe. It’ll improve our online reputation as a couple. We can sign up with bigger brands together. Also, I’ve been meaning to ask, why don’t you get active on social media? You have the perfect entrepreneur profile!’

Why is she going on and on about this? Can she not see that I’m irritated?

‘I’m happy keeping my private life to myself. I really don’t wish to share much with strangers,’ I refuse politely.

‘Babe, another thing! I just got approached by a luxury brand for a collaboration! I have to fly out to Milan for the shoot! It’s going to be huge!’ She continues blabbering while constantly looking at her phone.

‘That’s amazing, sweetheart. I’m happy for you,’ I say, pretending to be interested.

‘Get active on social media, dude. We’ll be living the dream, travelling the world and enjoying all the finer things in life.’

‘I get it, but Nia, I’m thinking more about stability, about building something together that lasts beyond social media trends,’ I say assertively.

‘But stability comes with success. Once we become a household name, we’ll have all the stability we need.’ She has a point, but her perspective is so different from mine that I don’t know what to say.

‘I’m not so sure. What if this social media fame fades? I want us to have a solid foundation, something that’s based on more than just IG likes and followers.’ I boldly voice my fear.

‘You worry too much! I have everything under control. Besides, don’t you want to be with a successful woman?’ she asks innocuously and holds my hand again.

‘I do, but for me, success means more than just numbers on a screen. It means building a life together and supporting each other through thick and thin,’ I say as I look into her eyes.

‘Okay, okay, let’s not argue. We can talk about this later. Right now, let’s focus on this fancy dinner.’ She comes over to my side of the table and kisses me. And her kisses are so magical that I almost forget everything else. I’m transported to a different world altogether. A world where everything, however it is, is perfect!