Lyla Dejesus
Bored and in love, Nell Stevens developed a hobby of entering her name into online contests. Little did she know, she would soon win a luxury honeymoon to India. But when her fiancé breaks up with her, her world falls apart. She decides to go on the trip anyway and discovers new things about herself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Nell Stevens |
| Publication | The New York Times |
| Date | 2018 |
| Prize | Luxury honeymoon in India |
| Relationship status | Fiancé-less |
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What You'll Learn
Winning a luxury honeymoon to India
The competition had seemed too good to be true. I had entered so many contests during that idle, loved-up period, that I had lost track. But this email was different. It was real. I was going to India! I couldn't wait to explore this incredible country and all it had to offer.
I decided to start my journey in Delhi, a bustling city with a rich history and culture. I wanted to experience the iconic destinations, like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, as well as the vibrant local life. I wandered through the streets, sampling delicious street food and chatting with the friendly locals. I even ventured out to the nearby Himalayas for a trek through remote villages and stunning mountain scenery.
From Delhi, I travelled to Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal. This magnificent monument did not disappoint, with its stunning architecture and romantic story. I stayed in a luxurious hotel with breathtaking views of this wonder of the world. I also explored the local area, discovering the rich history and culture of this fascinating country.
The final leg of my journey took me to the southern state of Goa. Here, I relaxed on the beautiful beaches, explored ancient churches and partied the night away. I even ventured out to the Arabian Sea for a cruise, watching the sunset with a glass of wine. It was the perfect end to my incredible, life-changing trip.
Winning this honeymoon to India was a miracle. It gave me a chance to discover new places, experience new cultures and learn more about myself. Although my world had fallen apart when my relationship ended, this trip taught me that life is full of surprises and adventures.
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A fiancé-less trip
Bored and in love, Nell Stevens found a hobby in combing the internet and entering her name into online contests. But when she won a luxury honeymoon in India, her world fell apart. The man she thought she was going to marry broke up with her. Despite this, she decided to go on the trip anyway.
On the "Modern Love" podcast, host Anna Martin talks with Nell about her fiancé-less trip to India and what she learned about herself by the time she returned home. Nell Stevens read her Modern Love essay, “How I Lost the Fiancé but Won the Honeymoon” on the podcast.
Stevens was so indiscriminate and prolific that she lost track of what she had entered. In her loved-up, idle state, it was quite likely that she had tried her luck at winning a luxury honeymoon to India. She replied with probing questions, wary of falling for a scam. An itinerary was fixed, and flight dates were set. At no point were her credit card details or passport demanded. It was real. She was going to India. Stevens couldn't believe it, exclaiming to her friends and family: "Can you believe it? Can you believe I actually won?"
Stevens' trip to India was a chance for her to discover more about herself. She learned that a random gift from the universe can bring about miraculous change in one's life.
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A break-up
Bored and in love, Nell Stevens found a hobby in combing the internet and entering her name into online contests. One day, she received an email saying she had won a luxury honeymoon to India. She was excited, but also wary of falling for a scam. She replied with probing questions and was reassured that she had indeed won the prize. She fixed an itinerary and set flight dates.
However, her world soon fell apart when the man she thought she was going to marry broke up with her. Despite the break-up, Nell decided to go on the trip anyway. She spoke to the host Anna Martin about her fiancé-less honeymoon and what she discovered about herself by the time she returned home.
The break-up was a difficult and emotional time for Nell. She had to come to terms with the end of her relationship and the fact that she would be going on her honeymoon alone. It was a period of self-reflection and discovery, as she navigated the challenges of travelling solo and explored a new country.
During her trip, Nell experienced the beauty and culture of India. She immersed herself in the local customs, interacted with the locals, and created new memories. She also had the opportunity to engage in activities that she might not have chosen if she had been travelling with her former fiancé. This allowed her to discover new interests and hobbies that she might not have explored otherwise.
Through her travels, Nell gained a sense of independence and self-confidence. She realised that she was capable of navigating unfamiliar environments and handling challenging situations on her own. The break-up and subsequent solo trip taught her valuable lessons about herself and what she wanted out of life.
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Self-discovery
Stevens, bored and in love, had developed a hobby of entering online contests. When she received an email announcing her win, she was initially sceptical, but soon realised it was authentic. Amidst her excitement, she shared the news with friends and family, only to face a devastating turn of events: her fiancé broke up with her.
Despite this heartbreak, Stevens decided to embark on the trip anyway, choosing to focus on self-discovery and healing. This courageous decision to travel solo presented her with an opportunity to explore a new place, meet new people, and immerse herself in unique experiences. Through these encounters and challenges, she gained a deeper understanding of herself and her capabilities.
Stevens' journey of self-discovery likely involved introspection and reflection on her interests, values, and aspirations. She may have questioned her assumptions, confronted her fears, and identified her strengths and weaknesses. This process can lead to increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a sense of autonomy. By embracing this transformative experience, Stevens empowered herself to write a new chapter in her life.
Travelling to a new place, especially one as culturally rich as India, offers a unique perspective. Stevens likely encountered diverse customs, beliefs, and ways of life, prompting her to question and re-evaluate her own values and beliefs. This process of cultural immersion and self-reflection can foster a more global perspective and a deeper understanding of the world and one's place in it.
Stevens' journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for growth amidst adversity. By embracing the unexpected and choosing self-discovery, she not only won a honeymoon but also gained invaluable insights and a stronger sense of self.
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Distraction and fantasy
When facing heartbreak and grief, it is only natural to seek solace in distractions and fantasies. They offer a temporary escape from the pain and help us cope with the overwhelming emotions that come with loss. In the aftermath of losing a fiancé, one might find themselves turning to various distractions and fantasies to ease the pain.
For some, this could mean throwing themselves into their work, spending long hours at the office, and finding comfort in the structure and predictability of their professional lives. Others might seek solace in social activities, surrounding themselves with friends, and keeping their calendar busy to avoid being alone with their thoughts.
Travel can also be a powerful form of distraction. Planning a trip to a far-flung destination, exploring new cultures, and immersing oneself in exotic surroundings can provide a much-needed change of scenery and a break from painful memories. It offers the opportunity to create new, happier memories and experiences that can aid in healing a broken heart.
Fantasies, too, can provide a temporary escape. Daydreaming about a different life, indulging in romantic novels or movies, or even fantasizing about reconciliation can offer a sense of comfort and hope. Some might find solace in imagining a future where they have moved on and found love again, creating detailed fantasies about a new partner and a fresh start.
While distractions and fantasies can be helpful coping mechanisms in the short term, it is important to eventually face the grief directly. Allowing yourself to feel the pain, process the loss, and come to terms with the new reality is crucial for true healing. Only then can one truly move forward and embrace the possibility of new love and happiness.
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Frequently asked questions
It is an essay by Nell Stevens, which was later adapted into a podcast episode of Modern Love.
The essay/podcast episode centres around Stevens winning a luxury honeymoon to India, only to be broken up with by her fiancé, the man she thought she was going to marry.
Stevens decides to go on the trip anyway and speaks to host Anna Martin about her experiences on the honeymoon and what she learned about herself.
You can listen to the podcast episode on Apple Podcasts and Player FM. You can read the essay on the New York Times website.
Other episodes of the Modern Love podcast include "LA Made: The Barbie Tapes" and "More Than A Feeling".
