I think we met how many people may meet in todays day and age.. we were just ahead of the times. We met 13 years ago when we were both 18 years old. I came across Holly's profile on Facebook and thought she was a 10. So naturally I added her with the sole goal of asking her on a date. Somehow, she accepted the invitation and said yes! It was going too smooth.

I took her to my favorite restaurant at the time, buffalo wild wings. Personally, I thought I nailed the date. We left and I even invited her to summerfest with us later that night and she said yes! I was killing it.

Little did I know a minor fumble had already occurred. Apparently, I had suggested we go dutch on the bill. A big no no, and a classic mistake by a rookie 18 year old. I had already been friend zoned... :(

Lucky for me, we stayed friends for the next 12 years.

They say it is impossible... yet somehow I pulled it off. Little did holly know I was committed to the long game and as soon as she faltered I would be there to swoop.

The day was June 13th 2020. We had planned our usual one year dinner/hangout for this night. You see the key to getting out of the friend zone is being consistant. And you better believe hol got that annual or semi annual request to hang out and grab food! This time I had offered to drive up to Fond Du Lac for dinner. However.. some friends of mine had other plans. A unique "fun day" ended in being peer pressured to host a small grill out and instead invite holly to join.. all 2 hours prior to when I was supposed to be in fond du lac. I said... really you want me to call this girl and tell her 2 hours prior hey I can't come but you should come here for a small party? She may never talk to me again. She'll think I'm blowing her off, this is a terrible idea. Well lets try it.

To my surprise, Hol said she'd come down! Sitting there catching up something just felt different. We really were vibing, and it wasn't the same friend lunch that we usually have. As the night progressed and my confidence grew we found ourselves at the one an only Jackson Pub. It was time.. I had to see if what I felt for the last few hours was really happening. I walked up, pinched her butt and gave her a big smile. She turned around smiled at me and at that moment I knew I had done it. 12 years later I was out of the friend zone!

Little did I know a text had gone out to Ellie hours prior saying.. Brian's looking pretty good.