Hard to believe it’s that time again, a whole new year, which, of course, means a whole year to look back on. Whilst I was preparing for this 2023 – In Review, it was only natural to check back on what a year the 2022 in review was. Its crazy just what a massive change to my entire life 2022 brought, along with Hannah. But, even more so, just how much further 2023 has taken that, yet again.
That’s not to say 2023 hasn’t been without its down moments, cleared a few loose ends, but when you consider that the biggest struggle of 2023 has actually been caused, or, at least, led by, being apart, it sets a pretty clear stage for what is needed in 2024. And it is, with that, where the arrow is pointing.
Engagement
In life you’ll always have those rare moments when something just feels right, and that’s sure how things were when it came to me and Hannah in March of 2023. It was, of course, then, when I made one of the most easiest decisions of my life, going down on one-knee and proposing. I did the proposal as a surprise alongside her family, which involved decorating the entire Hotel room. Obviously, I could have just used a function room, but, that’s far more noticeable, this, isn’t, so she truly didn’t expect a thing. I do remember being a little annoyed at how long it took her to answer, she just seemed to freeze in time, I ended up having to go … you have to say something 😂 A pause in such a situation is normally an answer in itself, but, thankfully, she was just in shock and was happy to say “yes”.
I was certainly surprised at just how many had turned up. Especially when you consider the plan was supposed to be just me and Hannah, with the couple who was assisting there to film the moment. Instead, it ended up being almost the entire population of Cebu…maybe. It was pretty crazy having to think of separate reasons to not be around Hannah, including sneaking out, without any major suspicion, for the moments buying the Rings, and then, getting the Ring collected on a secret toilet outing, until the day itself.
You can read more about our Engagement here
Going viral
If you were to tell me when I land in the Philippines and leave to greet Hannah, they’d be a camera waiting for me filming, I wouldn’t be that surprised. But, if you said that video would end up going viral on TikTok, getting over 1.5 Million views in a matter of days, then, yes, I’d be, and, was, surprised. The positive was that the world could see how in love we both are … if you ignore Hannah running away at the start, negatives include me not liking publicity and you always get some b******t comments as a result of many negative stereotypes from the Philippines (especially Filipinas), but I can 100% confirm Hannah is none of those; that you can be sure.
Overall a fairly decent trip to the Philippines, ring in toe and us now both fiancé and fiancée; all set for our future together.
Insecurities, and, ever growing, struggles apart
As humans we’re very imperfect, and, we naturally have highs and lows. In light of a massive collection of highs it’s only natural your mind plays tricks on you, both, in yourself, and tiny things escalate to being more than they should be. For some reason, or, perhaps, I should expect this, being apart from Hannah has just got harder and harder to deal with. These experiences just invite your mind to be stupid, small niggles become arguments and it’s a shame.
As I write this blog, I’m actually in the Philippines and I can tell you when we’re together, all those issues just fade away. Just one of the ever-growing list of reasons why committing ourselves together is so important and I’m so ready for it.
I discussed my Insecurities in a separate post here
Hannah returns to the UK for a British Summer
One thing I was so excited for, of course, as the year continued was, of course, to have Hannah back in the UK with me. This time we had so much more time together, which allowed us much more time for Hannah to truly embrace the United Kingdom, as well as being here whilst my regular living must resume, i.e. work etc. It was easily the most incredible time that, I think, we’ve ever spent together, and I could really see Hannah fitting in with my family and gelling in every way you’d hope.
The trip, of course, wasn’t without it’s dramas. Going, Hannah had issues flying due to an annoying Customers child meaning the Flight never left its first transit destination in Clark, Manila. This meant that by the time Hannah had made it to Dubai, the connection flight to the UK had gone hours ago. This, as you can imagine, led to so much panic, so much worry. The Airline were very happy to just say “we’ll put you on ‘the next’ flight”, but, the problem with that is, what if there’s no space, Dubai flight is actually rather popular. Thankfully, their was space, Hannah got some complimentary free Food (though she still complained she couldn’t get more, missed out on Apple pie), and she was ready to meet me in the UK. She’d arrive, check in almost suspiciously quickly, tell me she’s in the wrong Terminal then blame me for it, but, after all that stress, we were finally together.
Going places, similar faces, and embracing our Culture
Throughout the much longer time in the UK, me and Hannah were able to have time alone, whilst my family went on holiday, we visited a ton of new places we’d never gone to before and the connection that we shared in that time was, honestly, absolutely perfect. Of course, some niggles along the way, which I think, together, we need to work on, but, all in all, just add up to just an amazing time together.
One thing that was really weird, amazing, but sad, was when I had to work whilst she was still here. It was crazy, but, I actually seemed to miss her more when she was barely 4 miles away, than when she was over 8,000. Having said that, I, obviously, still miss her so much when she is at the other side of the world. Was so funny as my work lot could tell how much happier I was, but, also, how much more I was so ready to leave… and that’s more than the usual I want to leave I have. Pretty much like anyone then.
I’d say the highlights was the successful trip to Blackpool, cos we really did as much as we can (will likely have a Pleasure Beach day another time), the Beach trip with my Family as that was one of those days where Hannah just fully fitted in, spending time with my Grandma and Uncle as the 4 of us just seem to always have the most fun doing even the most basic things. Also, when we had the house to ourselves, that preview of life together; trust me, I’m sooooo ready for it.
Negatives, I’d say, I mean, we did have a few arguments, all which were preventable, which did put a downer on a few days, but, it happens. I’m happy, at least, that we only really had one major one, which I think sometimes you need to settle yourselves with each other. So, whilst, yes, negative, was also a good ending. I’m sad the Philippines Restaurant in Bradford has closed, though, had plans for that next year.
Honestly, though, so much happened in Hannah’s UK trip and it became one of my longest blogs on its own so it’s hard to summarise, but it certainly set the scene for things to come in our future so was such a positive outcome.
Read more about Hannah’s much longer UK trip, and more, here!
Moving from RKUK Media to BEHANN
One big change that’s begun, of course, with this being the first blog exclusive to it, is the switch from RKUK Media to BEHANN for all future content. As you will know, by now, BEHANN is made up of the name of myself and Hannah as it’s truly our hub for sharing anything we like, and, the new home for my blog.
Going to be alot coming in 2024 and beyond for BEHANN … speaking of 2024
2024 – What’s the plan
One thing that’s so exciting about New Years Day, this time around, is that I’m spending it with Hannah as this is also Hannah’s birthday and hope to have an amazing time together, which I’m sure we will. Obviously, as I said, BEHANN in 2024 will be pretty awesome to progress, but, there’s a lot more to come in 2024 that I think it’s about time I let you know *some* of.
To start with, a pretty big one, which I’ll have a lot more to share, in time, is that, I’m happy to announce and confirm that in 2024, me and Hannah will be getting Married! Yep, following up from my Engagement earlier in this year, this will be followed up by a Wedding. Still a lot of Planning and stress before we get there, but I’m sure I’ll have a very exciting Blog to share once it comes and has happened. Me and Hannah will also be doing even more to move our lives, even more, closer together which I cannot wait to share … but, I’m keeping many things under wraps for the moment. As you can imagine, just with what I’ve told you that we’re getting Married, there’s a lot of exciting things, going on.
To summarise
2023 will go down as the year me and Hannah got engaged, the year we became so much closer, Hannah began the journey to becoming a true Brit and the start of our true future together being just around the corner.
That’s all, for now, though. I’ll be back in 2024 with another blog once I’m back from the Philippines. For now, Happy New Year whenever you celebrate it. There’s a lot of stressful moments to come next year, fingers crossed everything goes to plan and we’re all good.
BEHANN 
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