Editor’s Note: This is the first in a five part series about interracial couples to celebrate international week.
You can see them in the halls walking together, laughing at lunch, or by their lockers in the morning. He’s really tall and loud, while she’s small and smiling in the halls. They are total opposites, but as the saying goes, “opposites attract.” In the case of seniors Vivek Patel and Dori Protofanousis, this is true. They are probably one of the cutest and funniest couple here at Niles West.
Meeting in ALCUSH junior year, Patel and Protofanousis began their relationship like every other couple: snapchat. Totally kidding, but the two of them began talking in class and later snap-chatting and texting 24/7. With the help of cousin and best friend Dharam Patel, Patel got to know Protofanousis outside of class.
Making it official on February 17 (a few days after Valentine’s day), Patel and Protofanousis are just like ordinary couples at Niles West. They go out on typical dates like going to the movies, eating dinner, etc. With their one year coming up and this year’s Valentine’s day, they will go on a special date for both of these special occasions.
“Since our one year is around the same time as Valentine’s day, we’re going to go on a date for both,” Patel said.
Being with one another constantly, they’ve seem to be comfortable with one another jokes and teasing. Patel being the jokester he is, Protofanousis seemed to have caught on with the jokes. When asked about what they like to do, Protofanousis answered in a jokingly manner.
“We like to go out a lot to the movies and dinner. We also like to [pause] hate each other,” Protofanousis said laughing. “I’m just kidding,” Protofanousis admitted a couple seconds later.
Joking around may seem like what Patel and Protofanousis do on a daily basis, but they really care for each other and love spending time together.
“I like that he makes me laugh all the time, and he really cares about me,” Protofanousis said.
“No matter what happened at the end of the day, Dori and I always have fun with each other,” Patel said.
That deserves a heart emoji. However, their relationship isn’t all hearts and fun. Dating someone from a different race can be difficult. There are many different customs and traditions that comes from different ethnicities that you have to learn sooner or later. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the other parents because of what they might say or if they would allow the relationship.
“It’s hard because we have different views on stuff like religion and other stuff like that. In his culture you’re not really supposed to date anyone until you’re at least in college so his parents would kill him and me if they found out,” Protofanousis said
With the hardships that come with their relationship, Patel and Protofanousis’s relationship keeps growing as time passes. They’ve become each other’s best friends and a person who genuinely cares for each other at all times. They love spending time with each other and just talking, because they are always there to listen to each other.
Close friend to both Patel and Protofanousis and senior Gopi Patel is constantly around them when they are together.
“They really connect with each other. Even though they may seem different, they compliment each other well. Also they’re really cute together,” Patel said.
