From school friendship to family: the story of the winners of the contest “Happy together” Anastasia and Gleb Dubrovsky

Family begins with love, but really strong it makes understanding, support and the ability to overcome difficulties together. This is stated by the winners of the Republican contest of student families “Happy together” Gleb and Anastasia Dubrovsky, representing Grodno State Medical University. We asked them the same questions to understand what their relationship is all about and what helps them be a team.

Anastasia: We have known each other since school: we sang together in the church choir, communicated and were friends. After my admission to the university (Gleb entered a year earlier), they began to go to student holidays and spend a lot of time in the reading room. For a long time I only saw him as a friend. It was only at the end of my sophomore year that we developed deeper feelings that we did not immediately dare to talk about.

Gleb: We have been together for four years, and we got married a year and a half ago. I took the initiative in the relationship. The turning point came when one day I saw Nastya live on Instagram and looked at her not just as a friend. After this, he began to invite her more often for walks, told about the teachers - looking for any reasons for communication. So our friendship gradually turned into a relationship.

Which episode do you think is the most romantic?

Anastasia: Probably the day Gleb proposed to me. We were riding ATVs in the woods, and at dinner he sang a song and handed out a ring. It was unexpected, touching and very special. Then I realized how much love, attention and care he put into the evening.

Gleb: For me, this is our first New Year together. We cooked a gala dinner. Nastya was wearing a black dress, I was wearing a black shirt. Then we watched the movie and celebrated the holiday together. That’s when I felt really good around her.

What did you discover about each other’s character or habits?

Anastasia: Gleb never ceases to amaze me. For example, during the sports relay in the final of the “Happy Together” contest, he had to ride me in a wheelbarrow and then collect a word from the cubes. I thought he would get tired after the first stage, but Gleb quickly coped with the second part of the task. At such moments, I especially appreciate his courage, resourcefulness and reliability.

Gleb: At first, it seemed to me that Nastya lives only by studying and scientific work. But over time, I saw how versatile she is: she enjoys not only learning, but also relaxing, traveling, spending time with loved ones and trying new things. It’s fun and easy – we always have something to do and talk about.

Describe your other half with three adjectives.

Anastasia: Gleb is sincere, caring and kind. He notices when my mood changes and always finds words that make me feel better. He also has a great sense of humor: it’s easy and fun to be around him, even if it’s been a tough day.

Gleb: Nastya is wise, attentive and sensual. She has a well-developed intuition: in controversial situations, she often offers a solution that at first seems unexpected, but in the end turns out to be the right one. Nastya is sensitive to people and circumstances, so I trust her opinion.

Tell us how the competition was prepared and what helped you win.

Anastasia: We had to make and introduce the keyboard, make a family tree, prepare a creative number and think about the setting of the table. There were many challenges, but we tried to share them and work together. Therefore, this competition was not only a test for us, but also a valuable joint experience. The contest itself was easy and exciting, leaving many warm impressions.

Gleb: I was on stage so I felt pretty confident. But I was worried about how we would sing together: we had never participated in such a duet competition before, and the song was learned in a short time. We chose Nocturne by Muslim Magomayev – we wanted to perform not the easiest number. I think that to achieve victory, we were helped by trust in each other, coherence and the ability to remain calm even in difficult situations.

Your perfect day off – what is it like?

Anastasia: For me, such a day begins with rice porridge, which Gleb prepares in the morning. Then you can walk around the city, look at your favorite cafe or go to the Pyshka Forest Park or Giliber Park. In the evening, it is nice to buy something tasty, such as a trembler, and watch a movie. The main thing is that the day was unhurried and cozy: on weekdays we often do not have enough time for each other.

Gleb: If the day off does not coincide with duty, I first want to sleep and recover from the work week. You can do household chores, cook something delicious, and then go to the cinema or cafe. I especially love Nastya dishes: meat in French with its secret seasoning, pancakes and cheesecakes. But the ideal weekend for me is not so much associated with specific plans, as with the opportunity to take your time and enjoy simple family joys.

Imagine your family in five years. How do you see her?

Anastasia: We would like to live in our own home. I wish we had a child and had children’s voices and laughter at home. It is important that Gleb and I continue to support each other, make decisions together and find time for simple family joys.

Gleb: I dream of a big house, two kids and a dog. I want to become an experienced doctor and a reliable support for my loved ones. I present our family breakfasts, walks, trips and quiet evenings.

shestakevich@sb.by