We met each other at the Rutgers University Catholic Center in the Fall of 2018. Christina had been at Brookdale Community College for her first two years, and had started at Rutgers that Spring, so by the time she had finally found the Catholic Center in the Fall, she found herself alone among several already established friend groups. Despite that, everyone was extremely welcoming and very soon she was spending practically every day sitting in the "Adam Chair" in the Catholic Center living room, quickly becoming part of the furniture.
About a week later, Arthur started noticing the girl in the "Adam Chair" sitting there whenever he stopped in to grab coffee and say "Hi" to friends between his classes. However, Christina has always had a habit of studying with headphones in and Arthur had thought that she likely didn't want to be bothered. And so, for about two weeks, he walked by without saying anything to her and, while she did notice, Christina wasn't about to do anything about that.
One day, Arthur came in and sat on the couch next to the "Adam Chair" to read a book, at which point Christina (who hadn't slept much that week) had a Tourette's moment and started twitching... Loudly.
Reasonably, Arthur was concerned and started staring trying to figure out what was happening and if Christina was having a seizure. Eventually Christina announced that he was, in fact, allowed to ask what was happening. This exchange began a conversation that continued for several hours and which wandered across topics and themes. They exchanged numbers and continued talking and soon became good friends. Soon after, Arthur introduced Christina to the Dungeons and Dragons group he played (and still plays) with and she joined as well.
After several months, dozens of shared cups of coffee, and countless hours of conversation, Arthur invited Christina to visit the Guggenheim Art Museum in Manhattan, citing her love for art and his access to free tickets.
After their visit to the museum, during a chill walk down 5th Ave toward the MET, and right across the street from the Ukrainian Institute of America, Arthur asked Christina if she wanted to go out with him... On a date (yes the clarification was necessary).
After a good 15 seconds of deer-in-headlights staring, trying to suppress the reflexive "Huh?" that was trying to come out as a result of Christina being distracted (probably by a squirrel or something), and having an existential crisis realizing that not only did someone like her in that way, but he was very intelligent, rather handsome, and actually knew how to take care of himself.
While Christina had her existential crisis, Arthur had his own as he worried that he had read her entirely wrong and that he had just accidentally ruined a friendship that he valued highly.
After what seemed like an eternity of silent staring and internal screaming Christina finally responded.
"Sure!"


A couple of months and several false starts later we decided that we definitely wanted to make this work, and so we have. It hasn't been easy. There have been many stressors and difficulties in the relationship, COVID, Law school, family, grad programs, but we have made it through each difficulty together, supporting one another through prayer and communication and growing as a couple.


That first question was popped on January 10th, 2019. Four years later, and just across the street at Central Park's The Pond, while Christina quacked at ducks and apologized to a perturbed racoon, Arthur got down on one knee and asked Christina another question. On January 5th, 2023, Arthur asked if Christina would make him the happiest man on Earth, and, without any hesitation, she said,
"Yes!!!!".


Our story has had its twists and turns over the years, but it goes onward just the same, and we are so excited to see what God has written in our next chapters. His plan brought us together and has made us strong and understanding of each other, and his plan will bring us into our future together where we will be even stronger and even more secure in our love for each other and in His love for us.