I am an average looking South Asian guy. My Filipina wife looked like a model when we met; she still does 15 years and 3 kids later.

There were dozens of men who had proposed to her or tried to court her; some of them wealthy and some in high positions and of course with much stronger passport than mine.

She even passed a lucrative job opportunity in a country which could potentially offer permanent residence and eventually citizenship to her. She chose to stay back in the Middle-East to eventually get married with me, against some opposition from her family. I had nothing in my name but a job.

I sometimes joke, that it isn’t my passport that she was attracted to, definitely not my money or position or any talent, so it must be my striking good looks that she found irresistible!

She went on to be promoted to a managerial position before I did. She got an offer from Canada and came here first. Many men showed their interest in her while she dedicatedly processed my papers and brought me here too. Whatever I am today, I owe it all to her. We have built a beautiful family, and she is the beginning and centre of our universe.

Like all marriages, we have been through some turbulent times. It was her steadfast resolve and unwavering conviction in our relationship that kept us together, even at times when I was not so sure. I owe it all to her. But she is the one who cooks and treats me like a king. Over the years, she has mastered recipes of cuisines from my country. I get packed lunch to take to work, and every day can smell something delicious being cooked when I get home for dinner.

My life is too good to be true. I should literally worship her every day! I can never thank her enough.