As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolded, sports have been the hot topic for every small conversation in town. Beyond physical fitness, sports can profoundly influence our connections with others, including interpersonal and even romantic relationships.
In this episode of AmSTRONG Stories, we sit down with basketball couple Kelly (@notkellychen) and Hanson (@hansonfok). They share their experiences, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that the power couple navigates both on and off the court.
Q: Hi, Kelly and Hanson! Could you tell us about yourselves?
K: Certainly! I’m Kelly, an art counselor and a freelance content creator. I used to play in the Division A Basketball Championship. However, I’ve retired from playing professionally and now find my passion on the basketball court as an amateur player.
H：I’m Hanson, a photographer and director. I’m not a professional athlete, but I’m an avid basketball enthusiast.
Q: How did the two of you meet?
H: We actually met on the dating app Bumble. I came across Kelly’s basketball photo there, and I thought she was so cool, so I decided to initiate a conversation.
Q: Both of you share a love for basketball. Have you found any values from playing this team sport that apply to your relationship?
K: We like playing basketball together. We both value teamwork and often complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. When facing problems, we approach them from a team perspective. When disagreements arise, we don’t confront each other or argue about who’s right or wrong. We resolve them through one-on-one communication.
Hanson and I have some similarities when we work. He is a photographer, while I am a content creator. So, many times, he helps me with taking photos. Personally, I am more action-oriented than detail-oriented. Hanson, on the other hand, is very meticulous and always helps me carefully check contracts and other documents. So, when I have a long document, I send it to him to review first.
Q: What role does basketball play in your relationship?
H：For us, playing basketball is a great form of entertainment. Whenever we have nothing else to do, we think about heading to the court for a quick game. It’s great exercise for us, and I personally thoroughly enjoy the process. During the game, there’s a lot of communication and teamwork required, which provides an opportunity for us to build rapport. When I see her scoring, I feel incredibly proud—as if it’s my own achievement. This kind of synergy and chemistry can truly be felt only on the basketball court.
Q：If someone were to ask you how to enhance the connection in a relationship, what advice would you offer?
H：I believe communication is crucial. Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable between partners, but when faced with problems, effective communication becomes essential. We need to let each other know what we’re thinking and work together to find solutions.
K：Often, in a relationship, both partners have similar goals; it’s just that their methods and approaches differ. For example, during a game, all team members want to win, but each person has unique strengths and personalities. We need to empathize with each other’s perspectives and actions.
Q: Which AmSTRONG backpack do you think is most suitable for your partner?
H: I think the 02-RUCKSACK M backpack is perfect for Kelly’s daily needs. It can hold everything she needs for school, including her laptop and sneakers.
K: It also has plenty of compartments for items like an umbrella and water bottle, and it’s comfortable to wear on the back.
K: I think for Hanson, the 02-WEEKENDER would suit him better than a backpack. He doesn’t like carrying backpacks and prefers single-shoulder slings. Since Hanson’s daily work involves photography, a sufficiently large travel bag can accommodate all the items he needs.
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Through Kelly and Hanson’s sharing, we understand the significant role sports play in enhancing relationships. From mutual respect and considerateness to conflict resolution, they emphasize the importance of communication and teamwork just like their practice on the court, which make them the best teammates of each other.
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