Adam and Monique met on Hinge back in early October 2020. From the start, they had an electric connection based on a mutual love of video games, music, beer and most importantly, bad jokes. Both of them have strong family values and were immediately welcomed into each other's families that unknown to them at the time, went back to the 70's. Monique's mom, Annette and Adam's dad, Steve had gone to elementary school together and graduated high school together back in Hayward. Annette was also best friends with Adam's late aunt Angela in adulthood. Through the years and lost connections, both of our families ended up in the Brentwood/Oakley area. Adam even went to school with some of Monique's cousins and had the same friend groups. Years passing after high school, these two crazy kids did what any modern, single people do, they downloaded a dating app. Monique was instantly drawn to the fact that Adam had put on his profile, "I know the difference between there, their and they're and I know how to use them." Adam was drawn to Monique's eyes. After chatting for a week or two, we had our first date at Mannheim for a beer. What was only going to be "an hour or two" turned into a 5 hour date filled with many laughs, amazing conversation and the "ass slap heard round the world." Yes, this man really had the nerve to do this on the first date, but I wasn't complaining. ;) Monique is especially thankful that Adam and the entire Martinek family has accepted not just her, but her daughter Lana as well. Being a package deal, it means the world to have such a profound love from a partner. Adam has been a rock for the both of them and continues to step up in ways he never had to and has truly taken on being a father figure.