At first glance, Phil (25) and Joyce (21) might seem like your typical campus couple, but their love story has all the makings of a romance novel – chance encounters, unspoken crushes, and even a proposal via email (yes, really). From strangers in an organisation to planning a future together, here’s how it all happened.
How did you guys meet, and what was your first impression of each other?
Phil: We met through an organization I started back in university. She joined as part of the second set of recruits, and since I was the campus director, I had a policy of checking in on new members. That’s how we started talking. From our conversations, I could tell she was quiet, reserved, and a little shy.
A few months later, we had our first in-person hangout. She wore a black face mask, adding to her air of mystery. But when she took it off – wow. I was stunned by her beauty. There was a session where we had to pair up for deep conversations, and I was silently praying I’d be matched with her. God heard me because we ended up as partners, and that’s how we had our first real conversation.
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Joyce: I only knew he co-founded the organisation after joining, and while a few leaders checked in on me initially, they eventually stopped – except Phil. He was different; very respectful. He wasn’t overbearing or intrusive, unlike some guys who start demanding for pictures and almost want to know everything about you at once, when you’ve only just met.
So I went to that physical hangout just wanting to mind my business. I didn’t really know many people there. When I attended that hangout, I wasn’t expecting much, but I was secretly hoping I’d be paired with him. And I was! Our conversation felt so natural. My first impression of him was that he was a true gentleman.
When did you make it official?
Phil: We made it official in July 2024, but we had been friends for about two years. From 2020 to late 2023, we were really close, but during my final year, life got hectic – departmental responsibilities, faculty duties, my project, exams, and managing the organisation. By December 2023, I had withdrawn from many people, including Joyce.
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One day, we ran into each other, and she casually mentioned that I no longer checked up on her. And it sounded like she was pretty hurt about it. That moment made me realize I had to be more intentional about our friendship. I started reaching out again, visiting her hostel often, and before I knew it, I was falling for her.
She was actually the first to confess her feelings! She sent me a WhatsApp letter, saying she liked me but would discard the feelings if they weren’t reciprocated. Omo, I read that and was like, Baby girl, I like you too! I called immediately, but she didn’t pick up. When we finally talked, I reassured her.
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Our first date was the official start of our relationship. As a finished man, I had written an email asking her to be my girlfriend but didn’t send it immediately. When we were at the restaurant, I excused myself to the restroom and told her she’d receive an email from me. At the end of the email, I popped the question: Would you be my girlfriend? She said yes, and that’s how we became official!
When was a moment you felt truly seen and understood?
Joyce: We once had a deep conversation about values, and I realised I didn’t have to over-explain things to him. He just got me.
What’s your favorite memory together?
Phil: Every moment we spend together is special, but if I had to choose one, it would be her last birthday dinner. It meant a lot to me.
Joyce: It’s not a specific moment; it’s the foundation of our friendship before romance.
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What’s his love language?
Joyce: Words of affirmation and physical touch. He loves holding my hand when we walk.
Phil: Hers is attention and quality time. We both love shutting out the world when we’re together.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about each other?
Joyce: We process emotions differently. He wants to talk things out immediately, but I need time to process. It caused friction at first, but we’re learning.
Phil: Same! I expected her to handle things like I do, but she takes her time. It was a rude awakening, but now we understand each other better.
What’s the most serious argument you’ve had?
Phil: It was recent. We were arguing over the phone when the call disconnected. I thought she hung up on me; she thought I hung up on her. It made things worse. The next day, I met up with her, and we talked it out. We decided to be more accountable – no unnecessary overthinking, just focus on solving the issue.
When did you realize you were falling in love?
Joyce: When my friends started noticing. If I was dressing up, they’d ask, Are you going to see him? And I’d just smile and blush. That’s when I knew.
Phil: When I told my parents and sisters about her. They already know she is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.
Who said I love you first?
Joyce: Me. And he just said, Okay.
Wait? Are you for real?
Joyce: Yes. So it was more like saying that I love him and he was blushing and couldn’t really say anything back.
Phil: I wouldn’t even deny that. But ever since, I have become more intentional about telling her that I love her.
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If you could plan the ultimate date night, what would it be?
Joyce: It would be spending quality time indoors together, probably watching movies and ordering takeout.
What’s your inside joke?
Phil: We have code names for people, places, and things. It’s fun watching others get confused while we laugh.
If you could write a love letter to each other, what’s one sentence you’d include?
Phil: I love you, from now to infinity and beyond.
Joyce: I hope we find each other in every lifetime.
How do you create intimacy despite busy schedules?
Phil: After God, she’s my top priority. I don’t fit her into my schedule – I fit everything else around her. As we share similar love languages in quality time, I create as much avenue for that as possible.
Joyce: I keep him updated about everything, and he does the same. It keeps us connected, no matter what.
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What’s the future towards marriage?
Phil: We plan to get married in the next two to three years. Right now, we’re building strong foundations for that future.
What advice would you give to other couples?
Phil: Have a clear goal for your relationship. It helps you stay focused and intentional. Also, be best friends first before anything else.
Joyce: For me, I’d say the most important thing is to put God at the centre of your relationship. Seek His approval before stepping in, and make Him the foundation of everything you do.
And that’s Phil and Joyce – two people who found love in the most unexpected yet intentional way. From an email proposal to inside jokes only they understand, their story is a reminder that friendship is the best foundation for love. 
KloutBox #LoveBox Series
This story is part of the KloutBox #LoveBox series, celebrating Valentine’s Day by sharing real stories about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Subscribe to our newsletter here so you can be the first to know when we release the next issue in the series.
