It all started with an embarrassing loud theatrical kiss on the forehead. We were both cast in a community theatre production of the dramatically contrived stage musical of the book of Genesis, Children of Eden. Westin played Adam and Noah, and Thelma played…Yonah… Noah’s daughter in law… Despite the two parts not being an ideal set up for a budding showmance, the chemistry was there from our very first rehearsal together. We rehearsed a scene where Noah welcomes Yonah into the family with a kiss on the forehead. The absurd loudness of Westin's kiss provided an awkward moment the two would laugh about throughout the show, but neither of them knew the kiss was the first of many to come…

The musical ended and it was time for Westin and Thelma to go their separate ways, and potentially never see each other again. That would have been the case if Thelma didn’t invite Westin the SC New Play Festival. The first date in Mursaki on Main Street was easy and delightful, the second at Coastal Crust was engaging and thoughtful, and the date at the Silos was emotionally vulnerable and... the setting of our first real kiss.

Ever since those dates we’ve been inseparable. Our life together has never stopped being delightful, engaging or vulnerable. We’ve been through three moves, three shows, four trips, and six different jobs together. It wasn’t always easy, but it was fruitful. Through all of the highs and lows we always return to our motto for our relationship:

“You’re good to me and good for me.”

After almost 3 years of dating, this statement grows in truth everyday. We witnessed the blessing of being with someone who challenges you and comforts you all at once. We realized it’s time to spend the rest of our lives together, and we want the rest of our lives to start as soon as possible.