Seng Seavphing, 17, student at Asia Europe

“I try to make sure my boyfriend is surprised on his birthday. I will give him a gift or have a special dinner ready. I tell him I love him and try to make sure whatever gift I give him is meaningful.” 

Chhom Oukdom, 24, vendor

“On my girlfriend’s birthday, I prepare a cake with a ring baked inside it. When she cuts the cake and finds the wring, she kisses me and is very happy.” 

Sok Sophea, 21, student at Pannasastra University of Cambodia

“I always try to surprise my girlfriend on her birthday. First, I let all her friends in on the secret and get them to help me plan. I tell my girlfriend I have to take a trip to the provinces on the day of her birthday and pretend I’ve forgotten all about it. Then I have her good friend take her to a prearranged place, where I and all her friends will be gathered to surprise her.” 

Sean Sokkheang, 24, laboratory technician

“On my best friend’s birthday, I call him to invite him over to eat something and don’t tell him why. I bake him a cake to surprise him and show him I never forget his birthday.” 

David Nicola, 22, student at Pannasastra University of Cambodia

“I never ask my girlfriend about her birthday directly and ask her friends instead. Then I try to find out what things she’d like as birthday gifts. The whole time I act like nothing is happening, and I might even break up with her the day before – just to make her more surprised. Then I have all her friends gather with the lights turned out, and we all jump out and yell, “Surprise!”