In 2014, Lidia Yatsuk from Kyiv lost her husband and entered a quiet retirement, focused on spending time with her grandchildren. But a few years later, everything changed when she met a young man named Jabarom from Zanzibar.
Jabarom had come to Ukraine to study at a local university, and by the time they crossed paths, he had already mastered the Ukrainian language. Lidia’s daughter, on a whim, signed her mother up for a popular dating website, where Lidia and Jabarom initially began chatting.
Over time, Lidia found herself drawn to Jabarom’s kindness and charm, and after a while, she invited him to visit her. Before she knew it, the young man, who was several decades younger than her, had begun courting her, telling her that age was no obstacle to love.
“He was always so polite, gallant, and tried to make me happy,” Lidia recalls fondly.
When Jabarom graduated, he decided to return to his home in Zanzibar and encouraged Lidia to join him. At that moment, Lidia realized she was ready for a fresh start. “My children are all grown up with their own families. I am free now,” she explains.
Lidia made the bold decision to sell her apartment in Kyiv and move to an exotic island with her love.
Her children, however, were not pleased with her decision. “They were upset, especially since I left without passing down the inheritance. But I want to live for myself now,” Lidia says.
Now, Lidia enjoys the warmth of Zanzibar all year long, helping her husband by doing embroidery to support their household. Despite struggling with her eyesight, she says it doesn’t bother her because she’s content.
Unfortunately, her relationship with her children has suffered since her move. “They don’t want to talk to me anymore,” Lidia confesses. “Only my granddaughter keeps in touch. She visited us last year and is the only one who supports me.”
What are your thoughts on unconventional relationships like Lidia’s?
