Growing Up Gupta

Erika Marcela, from Colombia, and her husband Vishal, from India, began their extraordinary love story in the most unexpected of places—a language learning app. Erika was learning Hindi, and Vishal was honing his Spanish. What started as casual conversations between two strangers soared into a deep connection.

At first, they were just friends, but as time passed, their bond evolved into something more. They found themselves drawn to one another, and despite the challenges of distance and cultural differences, they decided to take a leap of faith. The official start of their relationship was fueled by their shared determination and the undeniable love they felt.

Introducing Each Other to Their Families

Their journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Both Erika and Vishal faced initial doubts from their families about their cross-cultural relationship. Six months into their commitment, they decided it was time to introduce their families to each other.

Erika’s mother was the first to meet Vishal. To Erika’s relief, the introduction went smoothly. However, the road was less straightforward when it was Vishal’s turn to introduce Erika to his family. His father and brother were unfamiliar with Colombian culture, and there were misunderstandings that made the initial meeting tense.

Vishal knew that convincing his family wasn’t the answer. Instead, he took a firm stand, showing them that his love for Erika was unwavering. Over time, his persistence helped bridge the cultural divide. Meanwhile, Erika’s family’s preconceived notions about Indian traditions and culture gradually gave way to acceptance.

Overcoming Long-Distance Challenges

Living thousands of miles apart tested Erika and Vishal in ways they never anticipated. Miscommunications, cultural differences, and family expectations often led to disagreements. Yet, every fight brought them closer to understanding the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability.

Through it all, they leaned on each other, learning how to talk through their struggles and meet in the middle. Long-distance became their greatest teacher, showing them how to protect and nurture their bond.

Advice for Others in Intercultural Relationships

Erika and Vishal offer simple yet profound advice to couples walking a similar path:

1. Trust and Understanding Are Key – Build a foundation rooted in faith in each other.

2. Emotional Intelligence Is Vital – Especially for men, understanding emotions can strengthen the relationship.

3. Fight for Love – If this person is truly for you, don’t let external factors—be it society or family—dictate your choices.

4. Ignore What Society Says – Life is too short to live with regrets. Protect your love fiercely.