Anna When I moved to DC almost two years ago, I threw myself into online dating with no real goal. I was bored and it gave me something to do. After two months of mostly bad dates, I decided to go on one final date, a guy I found on Bumble, before deleting all my dating apps. That last date was Anthony. He was not only interesting, but interested in getting to know me. We continued to go on dates and a month later we decided we only wanted to date each other. Over the next few months between fun road trips (and bad road trips), late nights, cooking adventures, nights spent camping, and two hours spent at a McDonalds babysitting 4 kids, I fell in love. I realized there wasn’t anyone else I wanted to spend my life with. Anthony pushes me to grow and accomplish things in just the way that I need so I don’t grow complacent. He not only tells me he loves me every day, but he shows it too. Though our marriage will start during this extremely dfficult time, I’m so grateful to have Anthony to experience all the ups and downs that come with life. Anthony I’ve spent the last decade working to become a more resilient and honorable individual. I had no specific dating goals, and my loose plan was to create a plan to start a family some time in my late thirties or early forties. I remained focused on personal and professional development for most of the 2010s. I dated women I met in person and on dating apps in the later part of the decade. I didn’t find anyone I wanted to commit to long term until I met Anna. I knew early in our relationship that we could balance each other and grow together as individuals.