I matched with Jake on Hinge, and our first date was something entirely new for me: hotpot, on June 17, 2021. We were both super new to Bethesda, MD, having been there for only two weeks. Jake was doing NIH research, and I had just started my work as a chemical engineer.

As we shared stories about moving in and our new lives, we found many common interests, especially in working out. We even went to the same gym! It was the best first date I'd ever been on, and I was instantly drawn to Jake’s positive energy and his funny stories.

With Jake pursuing medical school, and me being apprehensive about the investment required by medicine, we initially decided to be friends. We became "gym buddies," working out together after work about three times a week. I remember looking forward to those workouts every day.

Our relationship started to deepen as we spent more time together. The gym workouts after work became highlights of my day, and I looked forward to every single one. We grew so close, so quickly, that I found myself wanting to invite Jake to everything I did. We supported each other in countless ways, like when I rescued him after his bike chain broke, or when he spotted me during my lifts. It was an exciting time!

Although I told my close friends about him and was excited, we were still “just friends.” But that didn't last long. We became an official couple on July 21st, 2021.

Now, we're engaged and both pursuing our dreams together! Our story, which began over a shared love of fitness and common interests, has blossomed into a partnership filled with support, laughter, and love.

Here's to our future, filled with new adventures and continued growth. I can't wait to see what life has in store for us as we embark on this incredible journey together.

When I first moved to Maryland, I was a stranger in a new town. Between settling into a new job and exploring my surroundings, I decided it might be a good idea to venture into the dating world. So, I downloaded a dating app, figuring that it would be an efficient way to meet new people. After the typical swiping and small talk, I matched with Amanda.

For our first date, we went for hot pot, and it was a hit. We hit it off right away and realized we had more in common than we initially thought. We both into weightlifting and rock climbing, and also shared a lot of other interest. Everything felt easy and natural, like we’d known each other for longer than we actually had. There was no need to force anything; it just worked.

We discovered that we both belonged to the same gym. This turned out to be more than just a coincidental talking point. We started hitting the gym together, where our love for weightlifting turned into a collaborative and supportive endeavor. The relationship seemed to evolve effortlessly.

Within a month, it was clear that we had something special. We decided to start dating. From that point on, we grew not just as individuals but as partners. Working out together, going on more adventurous dates, and sharing the daily highs and lows became the new norm.