The invisible string theory, red string theory, destiny or fate... whichever phrasing you are most comfortable with, is certainly an interesting force. Dan and I first met in 2016. I don't remember it at all, of course, because my band was playing a show that night (with a fill-in guitar player) that we weren't prepared for as a farewell to my best friend before he moved across the country. "Preoccupied" is an understatement. We've since unearthed a video of the two of us on stage with said best friend's band from that night... less than fifteen feet apart. It's crazy to see that now, but to know the universe wasn't ready for our worlds to collide. We'd later find out that wasn't even the first time we'd been in each others' orbit.... Fast forward to 2025: I'd gone with aforementioned bestie to see his band play in the city (he's been moved back home for a while) and Dan was there. We ended up chatting most of the night, and his company was absolutely lovely. I felt like I'd known him forever (cliche, but honest) and we had just the right amount of things in common. I went home that night thrilled that I'd seen a great show and made a really nice new friend. About a month and a half later, I'd posted a status on my Facebook making fun of an instance where I'd caught eyes with my mail carrier through my rarely-open living room window while belting Michael Bolton's "How Can We Be Lovers" at full voice. The status also mentioned I was spending the day cleaning because I had no other obligations. This status update inspired Dan to reach out and ask me to dinner. I declined initially because I needed time to finish the task I was in the middle of (which I'd have finished much earlier, had I not been dancing around with my broom like Mrs. Doubtfire) and didn't think I could pull myself together enough to be in public before everything closed. I suggested he come to my house and just sit on my porch with me and we could get to know each other that way. He accepted, I panicked, and hopped into the shower. The resulting four hours and 16 minutes he spent at my house that evening pivoted my life in such a meaningful way. Before Dan walked into my kitchen, I saw those eyes pierce through the darkness of my entryway and knew I was in trouble. I wasn't looking to settle down. I'd already done that over and over and been let down every. single. time. Dan was different. I found out through our conversation that the universe had been trying to scoot us together for over 25 years, and since it finally got the opportunity, we probably shouldn't challenge it. Dan is far and away the most disarming, comfortable presence I've ever encountered. From the very first time we spent together, I knew I could send Genuine Kryssie, not my representative, and it was insanely freeing. I'm a performer by nature and by trade, and the luxury of showing up as unfiltered, unapologetic ME was something I rarely got to do before this... Dan has felt like home from the very first hangout, and he always will. Thanks for taking the time to read all this. I've never been the type to gush so much, but this is the most "right" my life has ever felt, and I appreciate your time in sharing this crazy joy I never thought I'd find. -K