I got engaged in Paris

In case I haven’t shouted it from the rooftops enough: I got engaged! In Paris!

...In front of the Institut du Monde Arabe.

I usually mention where it happened—outside the IMA—before saying it was in Paris to lighten the drama. The Paris part isn’t the main event for me, not because I dislike the city but because it’s simply in the country where my fiancé originated from. But it’s a big deal to everyone else, thanks to Paris’s incredible marketing as the most romantic city in the world.

Though, I’d argue it isn’t. But that’s for another day.

It’s been about two weeks, and my ring has returned from resizing. It’s finally sinking in that this is real: I’m getting married and, insha'Allah, moving across the world to be with my partner.

I’m realising that I’ll be leaving 31 years of my life behind. Thirty-one years. It’s both bittersweet and a privilege, though, to have this opportunity. I’m not moving to escape war or instability, and I’m safe where I am; this is a choice. The ability to make this decision freely is, in itself, a gift.

The fact that I’ve been able to earn enough to travel to France (thrice now!) without having to traverse through endless visa applications to meet my future husband, that I can plan our wedding and eventual move—that’s a big deal. It’s a privilege I’m deeply grateful for.

And with that privilege comes the weight of choosing to leave the life I’ve built, the only one I’ve ever known, to start fresh in another place. I’ll be leaving family, friends, and my entire history behind. Sure, I won’t be completely alone; I have friends, my husband-to-be, and a new family waiting for me. But it’s still a huge, scary step.

At the same time, I look forward to all that awaits: the chance to explore Europe in a way I couldn’t before and immerse myself in the coffee culture across different countries. Another thing I’m especially excited about is taking advantage of free museum Sundays around France! Knowing that on the first Sunday of every month, I can wander through world-renowned museums, from Lille to Provence, without a ticket—it’s a small joy I’m looking forward to indulging in regularly. I am, after all, older than 26.

I’m ready to bring some pieces of Singapore with me, too. While I want to slow down from the fast pace of life here, I’m holding on to a bit of kiasu-ness and all my knowledge of Singaporean cuisine—from chicken rice to mie soto—because I’ll want to share that with the new friends and family I meet.

This journey has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve discovered that I’m not as tough or independent as I once thought, and I’m grateful for that, as it’s shown me who I can truly be open and vulnerable with. And I’ve surprised myself by how well I can adapt, even among strangers—a skill I didn’t know I had.

While distance might keep me physically away from my loved ones, I believe in the Malay expression jauh di mata, dekat di hati—away from the eyes, close to the heart. Being apart will challenge me to put in more effort to keep my relationships strong, and that space will help us value one another even more.

It’s a big leap, but one I’m ready to take, with both excitement and gratitude. I can’t wait to experience life on the other side, knowing that Singapore will always be my foundation—and that one day, I’ll get to see it again with fresh eyes.