![Going the distance](https://cdn.magzter.com/1354588640/1675257109/articles/vlQvimLt71676894207622/GOING-THE DISTANCE.jpg)
Crossing continents for each other
When Charlotte Chow, 34, and Hayato Isa, 39, met at a coffee joint in 2014, neither would have imagined that this encounter would culminate in a whirlwind romance.
As Charlotte Chow spied a tall and handsome stranger seated across her at a cafe in Shenton Way, her interest was piqued. The medical device territory manager was in between work appointments when she decided to start a conversation with Hayato Isa on a whim.
"We joined tables and talked. I can't even remember what we said to each other; it's probably just inconsequential stuff," she says.
That conversation, however, revealed a shared passion for food and it sparked a budding friendship where they hung out over meals at restaurants around Singapore.
"We started out going for dinners because we both love food, and he didn't know what else there was to do here. At that point, he was already living in Singapore for five years and was looking for new experiences," says Charlotte.
She reckons that Hayato - a Japanese expatriate who was working in fixed income sales with a bank - might have been open to that spontaneous encounter in the coffee shop as "he had probably let his guard down a little bit" with her.
"I guess he usually gets picked up by a lot of men. And he doesn't really get chatted up by Singapore women... so when I said, 'hi', he said 'hi' back," she says.
Their platonic friendship took an unexpected turn three months later, when Hayato introduced Charlotte as his girlfriend to his friend over lunch. "I actually didn't know we were officially together, and when he said I was his girlfriend, I was like: What does this mean?" she exclaims with a hint of incredulity.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![The Rise Of Tradwives](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/b11N7zwO51715324794637/crp_THE-RISE-OF-TRADWIVES.jpg)
The Rise Of Tradwives
Is this just another fancy name for a stay-at-home mum?
![Independent Woman](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/bTYg22_eV1715322937606/crp_INDEPENDENT-WOMAN.jpg)
Independent Woman
Tap on floral prints, flowy skirts, sharp tailoring and sporty details for a new take on power dressing.
![Buying An Independent Watch? Here's How To Find A Good One.](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/y_IGVGe011715323736116/crp_BUYING-AN-INDEPENDENT-WATCH-HERES-HOW-TO-FIND-A-GOOD-ONE.jpg)
Buying An Independent Watch? Here's How To Find A Good One.
Karishma Tulsidas answers.
![Would You Swipe Right On Feminism?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/dKXUXT14A1715322726237/crp_WOULD-YOU-SWIPE-RIGHT-ON-FEMINISM.jpg)
Would You Swipe Right On Feminism?
In the debut instalment of this new opinion column, a single Singaporean declares that in her search for a long-term partner, there's nothing more attractive than a man who embraces gender equality.
![The Orange Peel Theory](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/T82QkQ_DG1715324901170/crp_THE-ORANGE-PEEL-THEORY.jpg)
The Orange Peel Theory
Would you break up with your partner over peeled fruit? This latest social media trend might just be the unlikely dealbreaker.
![You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Taking A Vacation](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/4TK_0ll661715323961970/crp_YOU-SHOULDNT-FEEL-GUILTY-ABOUT-TAKING-A-VACATION.jpg)
You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Taking A Vacation
Even though you've booked that much-needed vacation, you might find yourself hesitant to take the time off. How do you address the guilt that may be weighing you down, and actually enjoy your holiday?
![Let Your Emotions Go](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/Rrx_Wg1OH1715321910970/crp_LET-YOUR-EMOTIONS-GO.jpg)
Let Your Emotions Go
Have a flaky friend who always bails on plans? Here's how you can share how you feel while addressing the situation effectively.
![How Much Is Family Planning Actually Costing You?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/_1A1skv2W1715324529673/crp_HOW-MUCH-IS-FAMILY-PLANNING-ACTUALLY-COSTING-YOU.jpg)
How Much Is Family Planning Actually Costing You?
It's always prudent to be financially sound and savvy - especially if you're planning to start a family. Find out how you and your partner can map out a financial plan that is realistic, based on advice from parents and experts.
![Do You Feel Guilty About Taking Leave?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/MlcGVlG881715323857485/crp_DO-YOU-FEEL-GUILTY-ABOUT-TAKING-LEAVE.jpg)
Do You Feel Guilty About Taking Leave?
We ask the Her World team, as well as readers, if they can truly unplug from work during a vacation.
![Air-Dry Or Blow-Dry - Which Is Worse For Your Mane?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/_Bbnd8Xgb1715325988985/crp_AIRDRY-OR-BLOWDRY-WHICH-IS-WORSE-FOR-YOUR-MANE.jpg)
Air-Dry Or Blow-Dry - Which Is Worse For Your Mane?
Haircare experts share their advice.