Now I’m sure you are expecting some cheesy love story, but truth be told our story has just begun and continues to grow every day. We met through Facebook dating (side note to online dating) if you swipe left you are not interested in the person if you swipe right you are. Now as I was aimlessly swipping left I came upon Tay's profile picture. He was standing up with his hands in the air like "what's up," and him smiling looking down at his shoes. Not considering the shoes at that point I was intrigued by his smile. I viewed his profile and began to read his about me, where he lived, and of course I had to look at his other photos too, but no red flags. I just saw a man that seemed genuine, happy, and content in life. So I said to myself it never hurts to try, right? Of course I had to say something to him, make a statement, be daring, or bold, but whatever it was that I was going to say I just needed to peak his interest… So I slid into his DMs and hit him with a little "hello handsome..." As I anxiously awaited a reply thoughts of doubt began to set in the BOOM! I'm staring down at my phone screen to a message reply stating "hey love." I never thought that a man this handsome would ever give someone like me, a southern belle from Texas the time of day, but I am so thankful I was wrong! We hit it off messaging back and forth flirting, calling, facetiming each other for about a week until we decided to meet for a date. I remember I was so nervous I arrived 30 mins. early just to make sure my makeup was perfect, eyebrows on point, my hair done, and that I would smell absolutely amazing because I always love a great perfume! I texted him that I had arrived and he immediately replied that he was on his way about 5-10 mins out. As I sat in the booth waiting eventually I glanced over to the entrance where my eyes met his as he walked in with a very harsh demeanor, heading straight towards me. I thought okay what is this guy on? Uhh is he mad? Like what happened? So I took a deep breath and timidly walked his way smiled, said hello, and hugged him. His entire facial expression softened as he smiled and hugged me back. We sat down in the booth, ordered food, drinks, and took turns telling and listening to each other's goals and ambitions in life. I always had a hard time connecting in intelligent conversations with others, but Tay comepletely showed me that he was unafraid to talk about how he felt and his views on certain aspects in life. When exchanging conversation I had an epiphany. I felt as if I was talking to a lifelong friend, as if I had knew him from another lifetime. I didn't understand how any of it made sense, but one thing I did know for certain was that I needed to know more about him and find out who he really was as a person. We have had amazing life experiences together from late night scooter rides to long nights backroading through unknown territory. I never thought I would ever understand what it meant when older couples would tell me to "marry your best friend," and that "you know when you know," stereotypical advice, but I was wrong. I didn't know what they truly meant. I didn't know you could have a partner that could support everything your heart desires and more. We are not a traditional couple, as we are as opposite as it gets, but being together these past four years has taught me to not regret a single day I have with my partner or my family. I didn’t understand what it meant to have healthy boundaries, to be seen, or to be heard by a partner and they understand and reciprocate that same level of love and respect. I never thought that I would find true happiness, but I thank God every single day that he brought us to each other. We are so blessed to be given the gift and understanding of the value of friendship first in a relationship. Don't ever give up on finding your happiness, and never be afraid to go after what you want. Now we get to choose each other every day for the rest of our lives.