SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIAWhen Federico & Adam first met, love was not initially part of the equation. Originally from Italy & the UK, respectively, they then met on the opposite side of the world in Sydney, Australia. Starting out as housemates whilst already coupled up, they became each other’s wingmen before falling madly in love.
Their story reads like a classic rom-com, but their relationship is far from your cookie-cutter romance. In fact, it may as well be the quintessential modern love story since it was the Covid-19 pandemic that finally pushed them to be honest with one another about their feelings. And they haven’t looked back since!
How did you meet?
We met as housemates in 2017. Adam was with his previous partner, Dan, and the three of us rented an apartment together in Neutral Bay. Over the next few years, we would become best friends, becoming more and more integrated into each other’s lives. Adam would often be Fede’s ‘wingman’ on nights out and loved to encourage Fede to embark on new romances – particularly on the Palms dancefloor.
In March 2020, just before Covid hit, Adam bought a place in Erskineville, and we all moved into that apartment together just before the first lockdown. Unfortunately, Adam worked in an industry heavily impacted by Covid and was immediately stood down from work. Not long after moving to Erskineville, Adam and Dan also broke up, and Dan moved out of the apartment. As with most people, this was a very stressful time. We naturally became each other’s main support through these lockdowns. However, limitations on movement were challenging as we became restricted to a new and unfamiliar neighbourhood. We were cut off from our friends, and with both of us being born overseas, neither of us was allowed to go home to Europe to visit family.
However, over the coming months, any fears that we would get sick of each other’s company slowly dissipated. Our friendship grew stronger, and we realised just how much we enjoyed each other’s company. Our friendship eventually evolved into something more early last year while on a trip away to the country with a large group of friends. It was a slow and steady realisation from the both of us that maybe the thing we had been looking for in others was right in front of our eyes the whole time.
What is your favourite memory together?
Having known each other for so many years, it is hard to find one single memory that we would define as our favourite. Lots of fun nights out together, our cacio and pepe nights, or even just the spontaneous trips we’ve done together, both as friends and as a couple.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome together?
As mentioned above, getting through the challenges that Covid-19 threw at us with lockdowns, restrictions, and uncertainty. We had never before spent so much time in each other’s pockets, both often working from home, not being able to connect with other friends, and both starting new jobs over this time. There were many opportunities for tensions to flare, but there was barely a hint of an argument the whole time. Quite the opposite: we kept each other sane and motivated.
Tell us your favourite thing about one another?
Adam– He makes an excellent ‘cacio e pepe’. Despite insisting that all the pasta we eat is cooked ‘al dente.’
Fede definitely helps me grow as a person and has a remarkable ability to make me feel safe and heard. He supports me in being the best version of myself and gives me a safe space to talk openly and honestly while always making me feel loved and supported. I am quintessentially British and struggle to speak openly about my feelings. Being comfortable enough to have frank and open conversations isn’t something I am used to, but somehow Fede makes it easy.
Fede– He’s chilled and relaxed, never stressed, approachable, curious and easy-going, doesn’t create drama or problems, he’s happy to listen to me and accommodates my desires. He’s open-minded and listens to me. I am thankful to Adam because he is supportive and accepts me for who I am in every single way without any judgment.
What’s in the future for you both?
We both love to travel, so that is definitely on the cards. In addition, Fede would like to work abroad potentially, so we will also explore what that might look like for a little while. That being said, we are sure we will naturally gravitate back to Sydney. Perhaps after that, once the wanderlust abates a little, we can discuss Fede’s dream to get a golden retriever and join the rest of Erskineville in their nightly pilgrimage to one of the many local dog parks.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Seeing our friendship evolve into something more was daunting for both of us. Of course, there is always the voice in the back of your mind warning you not to ruin something that you already think is perfect. But it is so much easier to take a leap of faith when you get to hold your best friend’s hand while you jump.
Photography by Manon Psomas
