In 2018, I moved into the house directly across from David’s parents in Deep River, CT. David was living in Syracuse at the time. I first met David in 2019 when he was home for the infamous neighborhood holiday party. We wouldn’t reconnect again for a few months but what I remember from that night was how seamless the conversation flowed between us.


Later the following summer I saw a car I didn’t recognize with NY plates across the street. For reasons which I will not directly state, I decided to do my workout outside that day. Hours later I had a new friend request on instagram. Funny how that works. 


Months later he messaged me about a book I posted saying he read it. I never finished that book and I’d later find out he never read it either. Our first messages about book recommendations quickly transitioned into flirtatious conversation and he suggested we meet up when he comes home for Thanksgiving. Fine. We went on a hike and met again later that night for a fire in his yard. I wish I could say, “and the rest was history.” I was so closed off because of my hesitancy to get into a long distance relationship again. My reservations didn’t have anything to do with David personally, but the logistics of being over 4 hours away were enough for me to think, “it’s not going to work.” I quickly learned that one of David’s most unique qualities is his persistence. 


After this, David would frequently make excuses to visit his parents. I’d receive text messages from my mom saying, “that neighbor guy is in the backyard fixing our grill” and I’d find mysterious packages of my favorite candy in my mailbox. On New Year's Eve he sat me down at The Monkey Farm to plead his case once and for all. He said to me, “I will walk away if you can look at me in the eyes and tell me you’ll never think back to us and ask ‘what if?’” Well, it worked. I agreed to open my stubborn mind and meet up in Albany for a weekend together. And from there…the rest was history and I never looked back. 


What I did not know the night of our first date is that it was only one of many nights I’d spend sitting there, mesmerized by the flames and entranced by thought-provoking conversations. What I did know is that David would be the most emotionally intelligent, sweet, and considerate man I’ve ever met. He listened with intent and made me feel seen in a way nobody had ever given me before. I did not know that I had found a man strong enough to protect me and make me feel safe, but support me and encourage me to help me fly. I didn’t know I had met my best friend who makes me laugh like nobody else and I’d find endless adventures with. 


I share these details not to brag about how I was playing hard to get but an admittance of my shortcomings - stubborn and short-sighted. I wasn’t allowing myself to be honest and take a chance for love. I share this story to commend David for his bravery, persistence, and vulnerability. David saw what I would not allow myself to see. He fought for us and knew we could create something beautiful together and I am forever grateful he did. 


So…we fell in love, moved to Charlotte, adopted a dog, and started a beautiful life here. David planned a trip to Utah that exceeded my wildest dreams and he proposed to me as the sun rose like wildfire over the expansive canyon. I can’t believe I’m marrying a man like him and I hope everyone can experience this type of love.