It goes like this: I created an account on OkCupid, a social networking website that guarantees "interesting, authentic dating." I was looking for a pick-me-up after a break-up and had no expectation of finding my perfect match. I was hoping to meet someone to share good conversation and a meal with — a new friend. I went on three boring dates with three boring women and started to wonder if everyone in Boston was abnormally dull. Then I received a message from Natalie, who was a breath of fresh air. After two short days of online chit-chat, we decided to meet for drinks at dbar in Dorchester. I asked Natalie to drive because I didn't have a car and she said "no," because I was "a stranger!" I walked and waited outside. Natalie pulled up in her Jeep and flashed a smile full of braces. I thought she was adorable. We were seated on the outdoor patio, where twinkling lights were strewn across leafy trees and fresh flowers decorated every tabletop. We shared two pitchers of sangria and talked and laughed for hours. We had instant chemistry. I texted her the heart eyes emoji from the bathroom! It was truly a perfect date and I didn't want the night to end. But it did — and we concluded our evening with a kiss and a plan to see each other again. I hadn't realized it then, but we fell in love that night. We've spent almost every day together since. I think it's true that love finds you when you least expect it — at least that's how it happened for me.

It was July of 2013 when, on the spur of the moment, I decided to join an online dating website to meet new people. After scrolling through profile after profile, I stumbled upon Amanda's page. Something about her stood out to me — She was different! I decided to send her a message. The next day I awoke to a reply from Amanda, who immediately had me laughing with a story about her recent trip to the doctor's office. After a few days of constant messaging, I was eager to meet her. I'd seen enough Catfish episodes to know you should never trust online relationships, so I asked her out for drinks (although I really wanted to wait until my braces came off a few weeks later). Amanda agreed to meet and chose the spot. She asked me for a ride, and all I could imagine was either A. An extremely awkward first impression and uncomfortable car ride, or B. A strange man could be pretending to be a girl named Amanda. I said no. She was waiting outside when I arrived, and as soon as I saw her, I felt as if I already knew her. It was bizarre. She welcomed me with a warm hug and the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. We headed into dbar for drinks. Who would've thought a small bar in Dorchester could be so romantic! We drank and talked for nearly three hours, discovering that we had gone to school less than a mile from each other and both listened to Bruce Springsteen. She thought my horrific story about getting braces as an adult was the funniest thing she'd ever heard and I'm pretty sure that's what sealed the deal for a second date. We had such a strong, immediate connection that after the date ended, I texted my best friend with "I know this may sound crazy, but I think she's the one!"