“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”
What’s your love language: Les + Fran
Hey everyone! It’s time to meet our tenth couple, Les and Fran! Though originally meeting back in 2009, these two love birds began dating nearly a decade later (The wait was well worth it). Find out how it all went down below:
Where did you meet, and what did you think about each other when you met for the first time?
Les: We first met back in 2009 at Vango Nightclub (I was out with the fellas and she was out with her girls). When I first saw Fran, I immediately asked her to dance with me. She declined the offer (She was playing hard to get). Years later, we reconnected through Twitter, exchanged numbers, and randomly met one night on South Street. Since then, we’ve spent everyday together, and it’s going on three years.
Fran: It’s been history ever since!
How has your relationship grown through the pandemic?
Les: We moved out of the “honeymoon phase,” and forced ourselves to have deeper conversations. Since we were confined to the same space together, we had to figure things out. For me, I had to learn how to speak Fran’s love language (For a long time, I had given out the love language that I wished to receive).
Fran: We’ve learned how to be around each other all the time, which was a big adjustment. We broke out of our routines, and had to create new ones.
Les: In addition, I learned that Fran needs her space. I’m a very affectionate person, and like to be up under her. She’s not like that all the time. I’ve learned to give her personal time and space to rejuvenate. That’s healthy! Through Fran, I realized that I needed those things as well. I didn’t realize it before.
What makes this “Love Experience” different from any other relationship you’ve had in the past?
Fran: Les said it earlier, but we learned each other’s love language. I learned how to love and understand him the way he deserves. Also, I’ve never experienced this level of intimacy in any relationship before. That’s very important to me.
Les: We do everything for love, and not for recognition. The amount of genuineness in this relationship is different from anything I’ve ever experienced.
Where do you see your relationship in the next five years?
Les: Married, happy, healthy, and we already have babies (Maybe we’ll add another one). We go back and forth on that a lot.
Fran: A fairytale marriage with a fairytale life. Just loving each other each and every day.
For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?
Les: If you can learn to speak your partner’s love language, there are so many unspoken things you will notice. That non-verbal communication is very important.
Fran: Communicate the good, the bad, and the ugly. Express everything, and hold nothing in!
Where can we reach you?
Instagram: @avibecalledles @damn_fran