It was the first winter of the pandemic and both of us were looking for warmth in the conversation of others. We connected via an app called, OKCupid. We talked and talked for several weeks prior to meeting. Both hesitant because of the situation but both anxious to get out of the isolation, on December 12th 2020, we decided to meet in person at the restaurant, Republic (now known as, MotorKat).

Shasha sat at the rear table in the outside section of the bar. (Outdoor seating was the hip thing in those days.) Since it was quite chilly, heaters were on outside and the warmth emitting from her eyes was more than enough. Donned in masks and winter coats we began our date over small plates and fancy cocktails. We talked and laughed for hours and really enjoyed each others company. We closed out the venue and continued our date on the streets of Takoma Park. We sat by the nearby bench and cemented our evening with a kiss.

In the weeks and months that followed, we made every effort to see each other while facing the practical challenge of living an hour apart and working opposite schedules. It didn’t take long before we realized that we had each found our person and we moved in together. And on our third anniversary, Alex proposed in the same restaurant where we first met, with a new menu and the same warm feelings from that very first day. ❤️