Betsy first sent a message to Ruben on OKCupid in November of 2016. He had written something about tomatoes in his profile, and they talked about food and astronomy and children and tech. The conversation went well, and they promised to talk again soon.

The next day, Donald Trump was elected and dating stopped being a concern for a bit.

Eight months later, Ruben tried again. Learning from past experience, Betsy did not put off until tomorrow again. A date and time was established quickly. They met over sushi. After Ruben paid the check, they lingered and talked and lingered, necessitating a separate booster tip.

The long conversation was not a fluke.