Pam Chodda Young and Scott Young.
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Pam Chodda Young and Scott Young are a cross-cultural, cross-national, cross-vertical couple, who say that opposites don't just attract, they enhance.
Who: Pam Chodda Young, 44, media sales executive. Scott Young, 46, clinical account manager.
Location: Mississauga.
Relationship status: Married since 2009.
Sometimes the internet just knows
Pam: I grew up in a family where there was always an expectation that I would marry within my culture. I was the girl whose parents were showing her photos of potential suitors – the sons of friends or community members. I dated, but I just wasn't having any luck. I decided to go on eHarmony to see what else was out there.
There I was on a Friday night, having two glasses of wine and filling out my profile. I mention the wine because I think that's why I accidentally cast a really wide geographic net. Scott was one of the first hits, and he was in Syracuse!
Scott: I had just moved there from central Pennsylvania. My eHarmony subscription was about to run out and I wasn't going to renew it because I knew people in New York, so I figured it would be easier to meet women through friends. When I saw Pam's profile, and I thought, okay, might as well give it one last shot.
Romance without borders
Scott: We had our first date in Niagara Falls. And then I would go up and see Pam in Toronto. About six months in, Pam introduced me to her family. I was definitely nervous, but they ended up being so welcoming. Maybe they just realized that I was it.
Pam: Scott and I definitely aren't one of those couples that seem obvious: He's an American country boy, I grew up in the city; we're two different races; he's more than a foot taller than I am; I have always been a Liberal voter, he has family members who voted for Trump!
Scott: Ha! My wife is in media, so knows how to write a grabby headline. In reality, our politics are pretty similar. I'm a social liberal, fiscal conservative. I didn't support Trudeau based on tax policies.
New adventures together
Pam: I feel like our differences are a real advantage. Scott is more laid back; with him, I can kick back and enjoy a sloppy Joe. And he has really thrown himself into appreciating my culture. Last year, we went to India with our four-year-old daughter. It was my first time since I was 4, so almost like a first for all of us.
Scott: Growing up in farm country, I'd say I was more suited for India than Pam was. It really was an amazing trip. And after being in India, I understand celebrities who are sick of selfies. I am a 6'6, pale bald guy – it was non-stop.