Carson's Perspective: We met online through Hinge. I was tired of endless text conversations with a bunch of people, knowing it was going nowhere. No one had stood out. Carmen and I hardly sent any messages to each other before she decided she just had to meet me. It actually was the same day we started messaging. Just in case the date went horribly, I had my “Eject” button ready: "I'm actually moving right now so I should get going..." We met for brunch at Pine Street. Carmen used her local-celebrity status to reserve us a table and I arrived first. I have a distinct, rather cinematic memory of seeing Carmen standing in the entry way looking for me, the sun behind her making little beams of light and everyone else walking around, kinda moving out of the way. I got up to greet her (as a gentleman should) and gave her a hug. That brunch (B) turned into brunch and a hike (BH), which turned into brunch and a hike and tour of important places to her in Grass Valley (BHTIPTHGV), and finally BHTIPTHGV plus sushi way in Roseville to avoid any chance of seeing our ex's. In just a few hours I learned how special Carmen was. Her humor, compassion, drive, and humility stood out to me from our conversation. The more I learned about her family and her friends, the more I saw someone who really would drop everything for someone she loves. I decided that was a person who's team I wanted to be on. Plus, it seemed like she'd be a good mother figure to Richard the cat. Early on, after our relationship began to progress (the second date), Carmen requested to limit our hangs to two days a week. I'm not sure if it was the puppy dog eyes, overwhelming intelligent logical reasoning, or plain old begging that got her to relent, but we have been inseparable ever since and I could not be happier. And I never had to use the "eject" line I had prepared. Carmen's Perspective: Carson and I met on Hinge. It's an online dating app that I thought was going nowhere. I had gone on some dates... But like I said, they were going nowhere. Then I matched with Carson. Our online exchanges were brief. "Oh you graduated from HSU?" "Oh I'm also extremely ADD...." Then, "let's get brunch." I liked that he felt ready to ask to meet me in person, given we had only just 'matched'. We met at South Pine Cafe. I texted a friend (shoutout Karlee) to get us on the list (there is always a really long wait) and how awkward to be standing around with someone I just met... He got there first. But I saw him right away because I think I cut him off from going to the bathroom when I walked in. He was walking towards me and I hugged him. He seemed casual and kind. He was wearing a hoodie, work pants, and some handsome boots. I liked his style. It was the end of March when we met, so I told him I had to do my taxes. It was my easy out- in case the date was another dud. He was in the middle of a move, so he told me he was busy the rest of the day. But conversation was easy! We both were visibly enjoying each other's company. I asked him if he wanted to go on a walk after brunch... Which turned into a drive around.. Which then turned into playing backgammon at my house.. Which turned into going to sushi for dinner. It really felt like 7 dates in one. I was smiling the whole time, and Carson's forehead was sore. I remember thinking he was very expressive. Carson caught my attention for many reasons; he is the least judgmental, he is kind and honest, he looks to the future and has goals, he's hard working, he has old friendships, he loves his family and wants a family of his own one day. That was, hands-down, the best first date I've ever had and is my last first date I'll ever have. And I love that for me.