After Jake asked me out on a gum wrapper in class (yes, really), we planned our first date. He took me out for pizza, and afterward, we wandered through town, ending up at a quiet swing set—until our friends unexpectedly joined us. I laughed; Jake didn’t quite find it as funny. We said goodnight early, just 8 p.m., and I called my mom. Her response? “Why are you in your room on a Friday night in college? Go do something!” Classic. So I texted Jake and asked if he and his friend wanted to go bowling with Kennison and me. Thankfully, he said yes. That night, my usually hidden bowling skills made a surprise appearance—and I like to think that’s when I really bowled my way into his heart. Two dates in one night, and now here we are. Thanks, Mom, for nudging me out of my comfort zone and into something beautiful.