Neil’s version:

I really like how we met. I feel like so many people become couples through one-sided pursuit or through online dating. I like how symmetric and swift and naturally our relationship began. That's what I kind of struggle to succinctly articulate how we started dating. Taylor really enjoys the story of her being at the soccer game. While I do enjoy that story, It was not the beginning of our relationship. Maybe it would have been nice had I asked her out at that point but that's not really my style.

The next time we interacted after that and the first time we really had any interactions was on a hike with another Lyndenite. Following that, we had a couple one-on-one interactions including a run or two and a hike. A couple weeks later we went on a hike in the evening. For some reason I forgot to bring a water bottle. When we had finished the hike and we were back at the car it was very clear that Taylor wanted to extend the interaction. I remember her grabbing her water bottle and migrating back to the bumper of her car and commenting how pretty the stars were. This was unfortunate for me. I really wanted to continue interacting with her but I was also pretty dehydrated at that point. I felt bad because I asked her if we could leave. It was a delicate balance because I didn't want her to think I wasn't interested but rather truly needed water.

When we got back to where I lived, I invited her up so we could continue talking but I could help my kidney… we ended up talking till 2:00 a.m. that night and eventually talked about having feelings for each other.