Zoltan and Debbie’s story all started by swiping right…oh wait…. wrong dating app…but you get the idea. They did the virtual version of making 'googly' eyes at one another and started chatting. With the help of technology and some daughterly advice, Zoltan and Debbie began their love story.

Our Story (Told by Zoltan):

After my separation I didn’t feel like dating. The last time I dated was before Jesus was born…

But with little motivation, I decided to try the dating sites. Since this was completely new to me, I had to recruit help. Thankfully, my two daughters were there to help. After a partial profile and two months of never even looking at the site, I got bored one day and decided to check it out….

As I was browsing profiles, I saw beautiful, sexy, green eyes. I was not brave enough to like or contact her, so I thought I was putting her site to my favourites. But turned out I liked her and thankfully, she liked me back. While I was happy, I was also panicking on what to do. I turned to the experts (my daughters) again for advice. 😃

They told me to start the conversation. Sounds easy, right? I had no idea how to do it. I spent lots of time trying to figure out what to write. After a couple of days of texting I started to realize we had a lot in common and that I should ask her out. But was it too soon? How would I know the right time. Once again, I asked the experts, and their very useful answer was “you know dad just go with the flow”. Took me another two days to pull myself together and ask her to meet.

After some back and forth, we finally settled on date. The Saturday after her 50th birthday. I spent the entire week struggling on how to show up to the first date. Enter the amazing experts (daughters) again. Should I show up with a small present or a flower or other ideas? Their answer was “no dad, you take nothing. Nobody gives anything on a first date”.

A little more unsolicited advice…

“Dad, you are from the moon…”

“Dad, you are special…”

However, I didn’t like the experts advice in this instance I decided to do what my heart suggested. I picked up a heart shaped mozart chocolate at the airport and then because she turned 50, I picked up 5 red roses (one for each decade). This is how I showed up to the first date.

When she arrived, I almost lost my words because she looked beautiful. My heart was racing and I was so nervous, but the chemistry that was between us, helped me through the rough first few minutes. Then we were talking for hours. The Starbucks closed but they let us sit on the patio and we kept talking.

After several weeks of dating, I felt we should move to the next level. So again, I asked the experts when the dating period moves to becoming boyfriend & girlfriend. As usual the answer was very helpful, “ you know dad as you feel just go with the flow.” I was nervous but finally I pulled myself together and asked her to be my girlfriend.

The next chapter when we celebrated our 1 year anniversary of dating. I wanted to show her how much I loved her but what exactly to do. After consulting the experts again, Greta helped me pick out a promise ring. I was very nervous how to ask her. We planned to go out to dinner but I know Debbie can be somewhat emotional 😊and I don’t like a scene so I decided to give her the ring before we went to the restaurant. She was so sweet and yes, emotional with tears in her eyes.

As our relationship grew stronger every day I felt we should move in together. This was a very big step for me since I’d previously told the girls after my divorce that nobody is moving in. But Debbie’s amazing personality had blown me away and there was a natural chemistry between her and the girls. I asked my daughters how they felt about me asking Debbie to move in and they were on board without hesitation. I had to pull myself together again because I had no idea how to ask this question. It was 2-3 weeks by the time I found the right moment to ask her. Luckily, she said yes.

As our relationship kept growing stronger and more loving I found myself thinking. After my separation I said I will never marry again. But never say never.

One day Greta approached me that they, (girls) talked and if I wanted to propose to Debbie, they were supportive, which was a very nice and pleasant surprise. Now I just need to find the right time. Once again Greta helped me to choose a ring and I decided to propose to her on Christmas Eve. A few days before Debbie told me her parents would be swinging by which was perfect so I told her to invite them for dinner. We open presents on 24th so I enlisted my girls to take pictures and make a video. I had a speech prepared but, in the moment, I forgot most of it. I was so nervous. But it worked out well because her parents were there. Fortunately, she said yes and I look forward to our life together.

Our Story (Told by Debbie):

All my friends will tell you I believe in manifesting things and believing that things happen for a reason. Hence, for the last 10 plus years, I’ve been saying that I would meet my person when I turn 50. So I patiently waited. I was single for many years but always living my best life with a bunch of great friends and lots of adventures. Then Covid hit the world and like lots of people, I began re-evaluating things. While my life was full and I enjoyed it, I felt like it would be nice to find someone to share it with.

With some encouragement from friends, I made a dating profile and started exploring. After several bad dates, came days where I debated giving up. Dating apps aren’t for the faint heart and first dates aren’t like what the movies show.

As my 50th birthday approached, I began to wonder if my longtime belief of meeting someone at 50 was going to materialize. Then I met Zoltan. We began talking and it was good, so we finally settled on meeting for a date. It was planned for the day after my 50th birthday party. The party was an amazing evening that went into the early morning of the next day. Honestly, I did think about cancelling a few times that day. I was tired and let’s be honest, a bit hungover. But I pulled myself together and headed out.

I was about 10 mins late. We met at Starbucks and Zoltan was waiting for me to show up. He was holding 5 red roses and a heart shaped box of chocolate he brought me back from his business trip in Germany. My heart melted. He was so thoughtful. Conversation was even better in person and before we knew it, Starbucks closed but we stayed on that patio until 11pm.

Zoltan asked me for another date for the next day. I went to his house, and he cooked for me. He made enough food to feed the entire neighborhood. Hi daughters, Nici and Greta, later told me they were eating that food for the whole week.

We continued to see each other on the weekends and quickly became a couple. I remember saying I wish we could fast forward six months so we will be over all those 1st....meeting family and friends.

Now fast forward and we survived all those firsts. I am very grateful to have met Zoltan. He is the kindest and most thoughtful man I could ever ask for. We have a connection like no other. Our relationship has been a very natural easy time. I am also so grateful for his girls; Barb, Greta and Nici and his son in law, Nick. As well as his sweet grandchildren, Jack and Jamie...and baby number 3 coming in July. We have built a very nice relationship and they are like the kids I never had. I am so thankful that they have all accepted me into their lives. I have the family I always dreamed of.

I love this life we are building and can't wait to share our special day with my family and friends.

Q + A coming soon!