When The One You Love Is Far Away

When the spouse is left in the hometown and the other half is far away working, either one could fall into some devil's trap. Loneliness, emotional and physical deprivation, intrigues, rumors and peer pressures could lead to some marital disasters.

I've heard of stories of OFWs cohabiting with fellow OFWs in the foreign land, but returning to their separate families when they return here in the Philippines. And when they go back abroad, they continue to live their lives with their partners, or someone. In Cebuano, "basta naa lang kapahungawan sa kamingaw."

I also heard of a story wherein the husband married a citizen of his destination country just to obtain citizenship. The wife was just sent a divorce paper with the assurance that he will return to her someday when he becomes a full-fledged citizen. And the wife just closed her eyes, signed the papers, and wished him all the best.

Some of my colleagues who were assigned to some others places, frequent bars and massage parlors just to relieve themselves. Some one-night stand they say. Maintaining someone is much more expensive. And they would even pressure me to do the same as if we both stood on the same ground. "Ang swerte mo naman! Wala pala asawa mo dito!" How many times I've heard those same phrase.

But I believe that marital fidelity is not just an option or the last resort. To be faithful to the one you love (whether near or far) - that is how it should be. Living alone in Manila while wifey is in Cebu, poses a lot of challenges. But with God's help, and prayers of support from family and friends, we can overcome.

Valentine's Day romantic thoughts and ideas are floating in my mind right now. I miss my wife more and more now that Valentine's day is fast approaching.