A wise friend once told me while giving me advice on dating, “ you have to look for someone who matches your cupcake list”. This list contains subsets:

1) Base ingredients: list of things that are essential to make a cupcake; including flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs. These are things that are “must haves” in a person.

2) The frosting: this list includes important things to make the cupcake sweeter. This could include hobbies, career, passions, and generally things that are important, but not essential in a partner.

3) Toppings, sprinkles, and “the cherry on top”: These are things that you’re looking for in a person to be your “perfect match.” Not many people have this, however, it's the “feels too good to be true” factor that makes one confident in dating and committing their lives to this person.

Aaron and I first “matched” on Hinge, December 17th, one day after him turning 25 when he showed up in my pool of eligible bachelors. We quickly bonded over our *emotional support water bottles*, running, music, and being outdoors. I quickly put his sincerity to the test by inviting him skiing with my friends, and after that we swiftly grew more comfortable and an important part of each other's lives. Not only did I fall in love with Aaron but also his family, friends, and faith. I’m so happy to have found my “perfect cupcake” in Aaron with way more toppings, sprinkles, and “cherries on top” than I ever could have prayed for.