Shannon: I remember the first time I really noticed Bryan, we were both students at Paso Robles High School. I was on my way to class and noticed him sauntering up the steps with a huge grin on his face. His hair was long, swooped to the side and he was rocking a well-worn sweatband on his head. I remember thinking what a nice smile he had, and how cute his rosy cheeks were.

We never spoke in person but somehow in the years after high school, we found ourselves following each other on Instagram. He will say that I stalked him, but I truly do not remember who followed who first. Only that I never *unfollowed* him… because I found him nice to look at every now and again.

In 2020 I broke my decade-long silence and slid into his DM’s. For our more seasoned family, this means I sent him a message on social media. After an unparalleled exchange of wordplay and flirty banter, and one BYOB Zoom date, we agreed to meet up in person.

Bryan was 3 hours late, but to his credit its because he was repairing his car so it could survive the 80 mile drive from Sacramento to visit me in Berkeley.

Our first date was wonderfully weird in its own way. I found a pair of his sweatpants in his car and asked if I could wear them because the “date outfit” I put on hours earlier was starting to get uncomfortable - I’d been wearing it all day. He agreed enthusiastically and bought us Oreos while I changed into the comfy pants. Away we went, and I’ve felt cozy with Bryan ever since.

Over the years we’ve made countless 80/80/80 drives to see each other, and eventually packed up our lives and moved to Florida together. (80/80/80 is because we could get to each other’s house by just getting onto Highway 80, and going 80 mph for 80 minutes).

The life we’ve created together has been nothing short of wonderful. I love laughing with him every day and I’m so happy I took the leap and messaged the cute guy from Paso High!