In early 2019, we connected through my cousin who happened to be her friend. Over six or seven months, we had occasional, deep conversations. Encouraged by friends in September, I asked her out, and she accepted. We dated for almost two years until she moved to Chicago, marking the start of a successful long-distance relationship that's now approaching three years. In March 2023, I gathered the courage to propose, and she said yes. Patience has been pivotal, shaping our journey to where we are today.