The saying goes, “Behind every successful man stands a woman”. Well, behind most successful social media influencers, lies a loyal and supportive boyfriend too. Here are three that deserve a spotlight as bright as their love for their other half.
The saying goes, “Behind every successful man stands a woman”. Well, behind most successful social media influencers, lies a loyal and supportive boyfriend too. Here are three that deserve a spotlight as bright as their love for their other half.
Shane Lim, 26, Graduate student
Boyfriend of: Jemimah Wei (aka Jemma) (@jemmawei)
What do you love about Jemma?
I love that she’s an exceptionally talented writer. I love her independence. I love her generosity and her openness to new experiences. I love her resilience in the face of adversity. I love her smile. I love the shape of her head. I also love the way her bronzer smudges on my sleeves.
Do you think Jemma’s online and offline personalities differ?
Definitely. I would say she’s unintentionally funnier offline. She pronounces yellow as “yah-low”, and insists everyone else is wrong. There was once she asked if Spain was in the UK, when she meant to ask if Spain was in the EU. Also, she does a lot of work offline that doesn’t always translate online. For instance, you’d see pretty cups of coffee on her Instagram page but you wouldn’t see the long hours she puts into studying, working and preparing for gigs, all of which necessitate the coffee in the first place.
How do you show Jemma that you support her career?
I help her with photos and draw stuff sometimes. And give her hugs. Mostly hugs.
What is the biggest challenge of dating an influencer?
Waiting to eat while she gets her perfect food shot!
Matthias Lim, 25, Investment Banker
Boyfriend of: Yeoh Mongchin (@mongabong)
How did you and Mongchin fall in love?
We met during sports camp in SMU and were in a school pageant together. Subsequently we became close friends and hung out a lot more that following year. I would say we were two good friends who became lovers. She still is my best friend.
How do you feel about your girlfriend being constantly in the public eye?
It needs some getting used to but I think she handles the attention really well and is not one to let it get to her head. Because of that, I’m reassured and I fully support her in this path.
Have you ever been recognised on the streets as being Mongchin’s boyfriend?
Yes, I have. There have been instances where people come up to me and say hi.
Joal Ong, 22, Actor
Boyfriend of: Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly)
How did you and Christabel meet?
We met on set during a video shoot [for The Smart Local]. Shortly after, we acted as an on-screen couple for a web comedy series and I started asking her out.
Is it difficult to have so many strangers getting a glimpse of your relationship?
I would say that it’s something I would share even if she wasn’t an influencer, because I’m proud of who she is. We never intended to be “relationship goals” or whatsoever. Then again, I’d like to remind people that there’s always a side they don’t see. We have our fair share of bickering, but we always make up and that’s the most important.
What are some perks of dating a social media influencer?
Free stuff! Just kidding. We get to experience a lot together and I got to learn a bit about photography as well as hosting. The truly best part about dating [Christabel]? It’s not the fact that she is [an influencer], but that she touches and inspires me the way she does.
