Embracing Unconventionality: The Love Story of Sana and Adnan
In the bustling expanse of New York City, a married couple has found an unconventional secret to flourishing in love: living apart.
Sana Akhand, whose candid recounting of their arrangement went viral on TikTok, attributes the success of their relationship to this unique setup.
“For 6.5 years, we followed the conventional path until we realized it wasn’t tailor-made for us,” Sana shared in her viral video posted on January 29, captivating over a million viewers with their narrative.
Sana elaborated to Insider about their journey, recounting how societal expectations led them to wed at a young age. “In our culture, marriage often follows swiftly after college,” she explained, underscoring the pressures they faced.
Despite their commitment, Sana and Adnan found themselves constrained by traditional roles they never desired, Sana, now 32, revealed.
The weight of financial responsibilities and societal norms took a toll, eroding their individual pursuits and passions. Sana, now the founder of Jet Black Social Club and host of the “Make Your Own Rules” podcast, found herself ensnared in a corporate job to sustain their New York City lifestyle.
“We were living for each other, not with each other,” Sana admitted, reflecting on the monotony that permeated their lives.
Their salvation came in the form of a radical decision in 2018: quitting their jobs to embark on a year-long global escapade. Yet, as fate would have it, the pandemic truncated their newfound freedom, intensifying Sana’s yearning for autonomy.
A pivotal conversation in July materialized into reality on October 19 when Adnan proposed a radical notion: “What if we rekindled the flame by living separately?”
Thus, they embarked on a journey of rediscovery. Sana now resides in the Upper East Side, while Adnan, a finance professional, maintains quarters just 15 minutes away on the Upper West Side.
Their financial affairs are independent, their rendezvous sporadic yet passionate, and their focus redirected towards individual growth, Sana revealed.
“It’s reignited my zest for life,” Sana exclaimed, emphasizing the resurgence of intimacy that had once waned.
Their decision, though unconventional, resonated with many who felt confined by societal norms. Through her TikTok revelation, Sana discovered a community of kindred spirits, dispelling the initial apprehension that enveloped them.
“Some questioned our commitment, but many embraced our autonomy,” Sana remarked, highlighting the importance of forging one’s path irrespective of societal dictates.
While the future holds the possibility of reunion, for now, Sana relishes in the newfound harmony that living apart has bestowed upon their relationship.