Ukrainian couple handcuff themselves together to avoid breakups

Gulf Today Report

Tired of occasional break-ups, a Ukrainian couple found an unusual solution to stay inseparable. On St. Valentine's Day, they decided to handcuff their hands together for three months and began documenting their experience on social media, reports Reuters.

Alexandr Kudlay hugs Viktoria Pustovitova in their apartment.

Alexandr Kudlay, 33, came up with the idea after Viktoria Pustovitova, 28, said she wanted to break up with him. "We used to break up once or twice a week. When during another fight Vika once again said that we had to break up, I replied: 'Then I will attach you to myself.'"

Alexandr Kudlay and Viktoria Pustovitova make breakfast in their apartment.

"In terms of physical comfort, with every day passing, we are getting used to it more and more. It gets easier," Kudlay told.

Viktoria Pustovitova stands next to Alexandr Kudlay.

Pustovitova refused his idea at first, hanging up the phone on him the first time he suggested it, but eventually changed her mind. For nearly a month now, neither has had any personal space and they do everything together, from grocery shopping to cigarette breaks. "I decided it will be an interesting experience for me, that it will bring into my life new bright emotions which I did not experience before," Pustovitova said. "I love him, so I came to a decision to do it."  

The couple washes the dishes.

Now they post images of themselves on Instagram portraying an idyllic coexistence, complete with captions stressing the importance of mutual respect and understanding. They have also appeared on talk shows on Ukrainian television.

Viktoria Pustovitova applies make-up.

As for their relationship, "some tension has come up", but the couple say they have found new ways of dealing with discord. "Fights between us did not disappear, we still fight. But when we approach a dead end and there is no understanding between us, we simply stop talking instead of packing up our things and walking away," Kudlay said.

The couple put on socks.

The public response has been a mix of praise, skepticism, and simple curiosity. Comments on Instagram range from "Lovely couple" to "Can anyone explain me what for?". Among the most burning questions is how the couple go to the toilet. The answer: The other has to wait outside with a hand remaining inside the bathroom. They take turns showering.