What’s a better way for two socially awkward nerds who both work too much to meet besides a dating app?

The first photos we ever saw of each other on the app.





This moment seemed to especially have destiny leading the way for us to meet each other:





After several terrible dates and cringy stories later, I grew frustrated with the people and began my record speed of ‘swiping left’ to mostly anyone.







Until I stumbled onto this handsome fire fighter who stopped me dead in my tracks of my quick swipes. 





I had to investigate…







While browsing his profile, I noticed we had a lot of interests in common. We both loved similar shows, thrifting antiques, and are both big time video game nerds! 




Everything seemed so perfect… until I saw his location. Norwich… a town I’ve never heard of. 







Still frustrated with previous experiences, I didn’t message him. Even though I wanted to, I just felt that I didn’t want to drive such a long way for someone if he was just going to be like everyone else. 




Too many times, good conversations online would just abruptly end. 

It was frustrating to have it happen over and over again.


One of the unique features of POF was that you could see when someone viewed your profile. 


There was a super cute girl in a blue shirt who just viewed my profile. 



No message. 



Already assuming she wasn't interested, I thought, Well, you have to at least deal with a message.


After looking through her profile, I messaged something to the effect of, ‘I also am tired of dating sites, love The Office, and It's Always Sunny. Hi, I'm Tom.’


I thought the Bristol she was from was Bristol, CT. I had no idea there was a Bristol, RI... almost two hours away. 




I'm glad I didn't know that. Otherwise, I may have made the biggest mistake and not sent that message. 








After getting to know each other a bit through the app, we decided to finally meet and have our first date.

He chose the location of Marchetti’s Restaurant in Cranston, RI. 





The Date: February 5th, 2019.


On the date, it felt like I was talking to my best friend that I’ve known my entire life.

We were both enjoying the conversation so much that we didn’t even realize that we were there for hours and eventually became the last customers in a restaurant that was about to close.

Feeling bad for the employees, we continued our conversation in the parking lot. 


Conveniently, we both just happened to park next to each other.


We continued to enjoy each other’s company outside until we were the last two vehicles in the parking lot. 


All employees had already left.

Realizing that we were there for so long, we decided to end the date.

Before leaving, we then shared our first kiss and the rest was history…