When you browse online, you see all kinds of things. A savvy internet denizen can spot the difference between something that’s too good to be true and a real deal. But every now and then, we see something that strikes a nerve, and despite it all – we just have to go for it. Most often, we all fall for deceptive advertising and end up with doll furniture when we really wanted a new loveseat for our living room. But sometimes, it works.

Growing up alongside the internet, I knew the ecosystem. In December 2021, as I dipped my toes back into the dating waters, I knew who and what to avoid – the humorless openers, unengaging conversations, and inappropriate requests showed me which men only wanted one thing and the men who didn’t even know what they wanted.

But then I found him. Years later, I can’t remember his answers to the prompts – but that wasn’t what drew me in. I remember his pictures: One that only showed the top half of his face. One that I nicknamed "Cool dad at a barbeque." And one with a shy, close-mouthed smile. His pictures showed what could only be described as kind eyes. Despite knowing better, knowing that looks can be deceiving on the internet – that was it for me.

In a way, his profile was deceiving. He is more than kind eyes. He is a plant dad. He is hilarious. He is an in-house DJ. He is open and communicative. He is gentle and patient. He is a great cook. He is steadfast and thoughtful. He is a sharp dresser (on occasion). He is always looking for solutions. He was (and still is) a surprise.

In the years that have followed, despite my best efforts, the rest of the internet continues to bamboozle me. But I’m grateful it led me to one thing worth keeping forever.