I had recently moved to Plattsburgh. Not knowing anybody other than my best friend, Margo, I tried putting myself out there and downloaded Tinder. Did not think I was ready for anything serious at the time. However, not long after being on Tinder, I matched with someone who had similar interests, a very pretty smile, and kind eyes. Skip forward to the first date. Having to work that morning was not enough to calm my nerves. It took me a whole week to figure out the perfect outfit. From that first in person meeting and seeing that smile, my heart exploded. We shared lots of laughs and smiles throughout the night. Once the date was coming to an end, she suggested a walk along the water front. I shared my coat with her as she apparently did not wear coats (even though it was the middle of WINTER). Walking together, with her arm on mine, it felt very peaceful. It didn't feel like our first date at all - like I've known her my whole life. As we looked out from the pier, we read the words that were graffitied on the railing, "Be here with me now. Please". Each of us interpreting it a different way, one slightly negative and one positive. So my romantic ass, made it more positive saying "Be here with me now, in this moment, and kiss me." aaaand she squealed mid kiss and started giggling. I asked if she would like a redo and the rest is history. We sat and talked for hours, completely opening up to one another about anything and everything. I knew from that moment on that I never wanted to be anywhere else than with her.

I was going through a really rough patch in life and a good friend at the time convinced me to download Tinder. Knowing myself, that type of site wasn't really my thing, so I pushed against it. She told me it might help to pass time, that I didn't have to meet up with anyone if I didn't want to. So, I caved and set my distance to only a few mile radius - I didn't want to travel much with my hectic work schedule. I swiped past people for hours, not really feeling a connection with anyone until I found myself in another state's perimeter. That's when Amanda popped up. I remember my jaw dropping during that facetime call with my friend when I saw this incredibly handsome woman with a killer smile. "Disney and long car rides" were listed in her bio as her top interests. Exactly my type of woman, I remember saying to her. I found the courage to message her first and after a week, ask her out on a date. During dinner, stories were shared and laughter filled the air. It was an instant connection - online and in person. We talked for hours and hours, our hands never letting go of the other's. We shared similar goals, outlooks on life, and experiences. It felt as though I have known her my entire life. They say when you know, you know. I finally found my person. I'm never going to let go ♡