We're getting married!

Charis and Mike were both getting tired of online dating, and thought that they might be single forever. We both met some interesting people, but our experience with online dating was really negative. Until we went on a first date on January 14, 2024. Mike and Charis went out for lunch at a Thai place and had a great discussion. Charis says, "He asked me what I was looking for in a relationship, and I told him that I had a list." He thought Charis's criteria sounded reasonable: good working order, good physical chemistry, growth mindset, my cheerleader. Charis shared, "the goal of my ideal relationship was to help each other evolve into the best versions of ourselves." It turned out we both liked ska music, so we talked about bands we liked and had some friends in common in the band Llama Tsunami. We were both pretty happy after this date, and Charis actually had booked a second one that evening for a drink. It paled in comparison, so she tactfully told the evening date guy that it was nice to meet him, but was going to focus on another connection. On Charis's second date with Mike, he expressed interest in spending some time talking and getting to know each other, so she suggested that we go to the JFK library in Boston. We had a great time watching the videos and walking around the exhibits. Then we went to Dorchester Brewing Company to enjoy some local beer and bad art. We ended our amazing second date with brunch with two of Charis's friends, and they were both clear that we seemed really happy and enamored with each other. Our relationship escalated pretty quickly from there, with the next dates being Charis meeting Mike's mom and son and Mike meeting Charis's dad, brother, and daughter. The entire relationship felt effortless to us both, but it only appeared that way because we were each returning the effort that the other had put forth. Mike is still the only partner Charis has ever had to match her efforts. We quickly learned to get to know each other and manage our long-distance relationship with long phone sessions and visits to our respective houses as often as possible on the weekends. We travel well together, and we've had amazing adventures in Boston, Maine, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. Our latest adventure is our favorite, we went to a ska music festival called supernova in Virginia. Mike proposed to Charis on our 8th month anniversary, September 14. We are so excited to spend our lives together and get married this October!