What started out as a shot in the dark on Hinge quickly turned into something special.

Their first date is one of the best stories they have. Crystal running late (NEVER!?!?!?) and Matt being suspicious and Google Mapping directions to see if she was in fact held up by a car accident (it was true). When they finally met up at the movie theater the awkwardness was only amplified by an older gentleman accusing Matt of line jumping. When it came time to pay for the tickets, an enthusiastic *slap* of a credit card onto the counter ensured that Crystal would be the one paying for this movie.

Barely into the previews, Crystal was just about to leave, because a nervous Matt decided to sing along to some of the tunes. Luckily she toughed it out and they sat nervously watching the beginning of a very seriously toned Jojo Rabbit. That seriousness was soon broken though, and they enjoyed many laughs through the rest of the movie and even *gasp* held hands (Crystal making the first move). The night carried on to PF Chang's for the second half of their date and Crystal was brave enough to ride with Matt. Oddly enough, they soon found out both were Swifties. Who would have thought that the guy with the long hair, earrings, and band hoodie liked Taylor too?

After that, time seemed to blur as pretty much every weekend was spent together seamlessly merging lives until the pandemic. As soon as the world came to a screeching halt, they made the decision to weather out lockdown together (first with the blessing of Jesus, the roommate, of course). Going official with their relationship on Feb 1, 2020 and then being locked down together in March for months definitely put them through "the relationship gauntlet" of sorts.

While it feels as though they have been together forever, they will be celebrating their 4th anniversary as a couple in February 2024. They enjoy going on adventures to new places, camping and sharing their love of the outdoors, while tasting delicious meals together. Their next big adventure is moving in together August 2023, where they plan to thoroughly spoil Crystal's cat Rascal.