May 1st, 2026

We matched on Hinge in July 2020 — right in the middle of the pandemic, when meeting people was riskier than usual. Two weeks later, we met at Bike Rack Brewery for a drink. I joked that he probably felt like it was job interview, but, we had such a good time that we went bowling after. Driving back to get my car, Cooper nervously asked me, “so is there anything wrong with you?” It was funny and perfectly genuine. Neither of us wanted the night to end. The following weekend, I made an excuse to be in Fort Smith — where both Cooper and my parents lived. Cooper had just bought his first house, and I was all hands in ready to help him pick the perfect colors for his bachelor pad. I could be cool and helpful and I definitely wasn’t secretly imagining it could be our space in the future. By the third date, we went to his parents’ house on the lake while they were on vacation — a quiet, laid back fun afternoon together. It was during this date, I realized I genuinely enjoyed and looked forward to more weekends with him. Three months in, over Labor Day weekend, I met his wild, fun family at what we now fondly call “the shitshow.” It was loud, chaotic, and totally unforgettable. While living alone in Fort Smith, Cooper had mentioned wanting a dog of his own, so 6 months later, when I saw a pup needing a home, I sent him the picture. That dog was Shira — goofy, funny, and never met a stranger. She was basically the exact opposite of my little, old Shih Tzu, Sophie. But they got along! Sophie just acted like Shira didn’t exist! We referred to them as “The Odd Couple.” We did long distance for two and a half years — lots of weekend visits and late-night calls — until we finally moved in together in December 2022. Then in June 2023, we made the move to Bella Vista. Since then, we’ve had so much fun upgrading our home — I bring the ideas and Cooper makes them happen while patiently teaching me along the way! On January 31, 2025, we quietly celebrated our engagement, excited for what’s next.