Actor Lee Joo-seung Sparks Debate with His Shy Text-Based Dating Style
On a recent episode of the talk show Radio Star, actor Lee Joo-seung opened up about his unique and somewhat controversial approach to relationships. He admitted that for him, all the major milestones of a relationship—confessions of love, fights, and even breakups—have always happened via text messages. His candid confession resonated with some viewers and puzzled others, igniting a broad online discussion about modern romance and emotional communication.
Lee also shared a personal story that revealed another side of his love life: despite hating raw fish, he spent years eating sushi for the sake of a girlfriend who enjoyed it. This compromise showcased how someone quiet and introverted can still be loving and considerate in their own way.
Is Text-Only Dating Thoughtful or Distant?
Understanding the Context
Text-based dating might feel off-putting to some, but it's becoming more common in an age of digital communication. Especially for introverts or socially anxious individuals, texting offers a less intimidating way to express feelings. According to psychologists, people who are introverted often feel overwhelmed during intense face-to-face conversations. Texting gives them time to think, avoid pressure, and still connect emotionally.
In this light, Lee's style isn't cold or careless—it simply reflects his personality. For many, texting is a legitimate tool for emotional expression. What's most important is whether both partners feel heard and respected, regardless of the medium.
The Limitations of Messaging
Still, relying only on texts for serious matters like breaking up can come across as impersonal. Important conversations often need tones of voice and facial expressions to fully convey emotions. Texts, lacking those nuances (small emotional details), run a higher risk of causing misunderstandings.
Imagine getting a breakup message during a work lunch or misunderstanding a fight because a sarcastic tone didn't come through. These situations highlight why direct conversations still matter. Respect sometimes requires the discomfort of face-to-face communication.
Making Sacrifices in Love: Admirable or Overboard?
When Sacrifice Shows Affection
Lee’s story about quietly eating sushi, just to make his girlfriend happy, struck a chord with many. Sometimes, putting aside your dislikes—even something as small as food—for someone else can be a real sign of love. Studies in relationship psychology support this: small, regular sacrifices build trust, closeness, and mutual appreciation.
Compromises like these, when they’re done willingly and without resentment, can strengthen bonds because they show care beyond words. For Lee, his actions may have been shyer than most, but not necessarily less romantic.
But When Does It Go Too Far?
However, consistent self-sacrifice, especially when it harms personal well-being or creates emotional imbalance, can damage a relationship over time. People might begin to feel invisible, or worse, unappreciated.
In Lee’s case, if he continued suppressing his preferences entirely to keep someone else happy, he risked building quiet resentment (anger held inside). Healthy relationships require both sides to feel seen and respected. That means finding a balance where both partners make compromises without losing their identities.
Takeaway: Respecting Personality Differences in Love
Lee Joo-seung’s dating habits serve as a broader reminder: there’s no one-size-fits-all way to love. For some, public declarations and deep face-to-face talks are essential. For others, quiet messages and thoughtful actions are just as heartfelt. People love in different ways, and ideally, they should be free to express that love without judgment.
At the same time, emotional expression and compromise must go both ways. Texting shouldn't replace every real conversation. And constant sacrifice shouldn't replace mutual respect. Love, after all, is about balance: between expressing oneself and considering others, between sharing and listening, between comfort and growth.
Whether shy or bold, expressive or subtle, what truly defines a healthy relationship is two people working to understand, support, and grow with one another. Lee's story may not describe everyone's ideal romance, but it does remind us to make space for the quiet, the different, and the deeply sincere.
