As 2024 began, we were both in the midst of navigating the daunting world of online dating. It is within this chaotic space that we miraculously found each other via the app Hinge. Even from texting, an oftentimes lifeless form of communication, we noticed how easy it was to talk about almost anything. However, due to a combination of busy schedules and illness, we could only communicate digitally for the first three weeks. On our first “date” we made our own tea and Facetimed for hours (despite Sam’s incessant coughing due to bronchitis!). We also watched movies together and worked on a cooperative online puzzle game. Overall, we deeply enjoyed each other’s company and felt an unquestionable connection–even though we had never met in person! When we finally had a proper first date in person, it was in the Woodlands (midway between College Station and Houston) for dinner and bowling. We were both at first a little anxious that meeting in the flesh might be awkward or different than what we experienced digitally, but within minutes these thoughts were quickly banished from our minds. Not only did we feel incredibly safe and secure with each other, we also had a fantastic time; verily, we felt not like new acquaintances, but like old friends meeting after a long time apart. Naturally, over the next few months our friendship blossomed into a deep love for each other, and to use the tired cliche, the rest is history! Who would have guessed that all of this could happen because an algorithm matched us on a dating app?