Many moons ago, a nation of two was founded.

Depending on who you ask, a person’s time they spend in college could be filled with regrets like: “Wow, I should’ve really studied for that exam,” or, “Man, I shouldn’t have had so much to drink.”

But, it could also be a time where a bond is formed with someone that could outlast eternity -

Our story begins in the Spring of 2018. We had seen each other in passing as our freshman year of college progressed. I (Benji) worked the front desk of the Fitness Center while Serene trained her butt off for the volleyball team. As fate would have it, a mutual friend of ours introduced us to each other while working out in said Fitness Center. Before any formalities could take place, we each got a good look at one another in our gym wear (Serene was looking at me thoroughly, might I add), perspiring as we said our first hellos.

We started officially dating shortly after, on May 20th, 2018.

From even the first dingy college party we attended together, I think deep down we both knew what we wanted in our lives. It was only a matter of doing it together.

As time went on, we both learned how well we complemented one another. My innate impatience (A common Grimler trait) soon learned the ways of Serene’s serenity, and her anxiety (A common Jones trait) soon learned of a mantra I use loosely: “Quit giving a damn so much.”

Fortunately, as we finished out our years in school together, we got to learn each other’s quirks and oddities. I like all of my shirts in my closet facing the same way. Serene likes leaving dried laundry in the hamper until it becomes wrinkly again. I like reading instructions when putting furniture together. Serene likes to freestyle a bit.

It may sound like these things are bothersome. Perhaps you’ve also experienced these things with a significant other. But, I mean this when I say it - there is just something about figuring life out with the one you love.

We rented our first apartment together, finished school, began our careers, got engaged, got married, and now we’re homeowners?! These external milestones are wonderful, but nothing compares to bettering the bond and commitment to the person you love. Life is crazy, but it’s also beautiful.

I take pride in writing this Love Story of ours here. Not just because writing is an art I enjoy, but because it has also given me an opportunity to reflect on the amount of love Serene and I have for one another. I hope whomever is reading this also takes a minute to reflect. Go tell someone that you love them. Matter of fact, yell it at them (nicely, though).

I suppose I’ll do the same now.

S&B