ONE DATE AT A TIME

These two officially met in the fall of 2014 at Cal State Long Beach. Jay was a couch-surfing first year and pledging for a fraternity. Krista was a junior living with roommates right next to campus. Through the fraternity, Krista’s roommates were all part of the sis program. And now this is where their paths first crossed! One of her roommates, Kassie, would have her lil bros over to their apartment, including Jay since he was their linebro. Krista's first impression of him was just some freshman always over at the apartment and only remembers a few initial interactions. From catching him napping instead of writing an important mid-term paper to making fun of him for wearing a towel on his head when he did not have long hair, there was never a dull moment when Jay and his line came by. Flash forward to Hard Summer of 2015! Jay and Krista entered with different friend groups, but somehow ended up in the same group on Day 2. They accidentally kissed at one point because you know how music festivals go! In the days that followed, they frequently messaged as friends, even on different social media platforms, just to get to know each other. After a month of back and forth and fun, they decided to just go for it. One night of clubbing at the infamous Khoury’s Restaurant (IYKYK) they snuck onto a boat by the pier and shared another kiss! Since that night, Jay and Krista have made 8 years together go by in a blink. As cliche as the saying goes, they truly believe it now. "It will happen when you least expect it!”

Krista: I always say to him that we're so connected sometimes. When we share the same thought - like when deciding what to eat - I'll tap his and my forehead with my finger to activate the telepathy. We've been completely comfortable around each other since the beginning because he makes sure I never feel embarrassed. We're always laughing and being weird together, I'm just glad we have the same humor and compatible music taste (In the beginning of our relationship I actually used to secretly shazam songs in his car because I was shy to ask haha). We also have all these sayings and little actions we do. For example(s), whenever he comes home from work we say "good to see you" in a funny voice and do a quick head bow. Or when he created a short lullaby for me when I get sad and cry, just to make the tears stop. Even after almost 8 years I still miss him during the day and find it hard to sleep when he isn't next to me. My favorite part about us is knowing I found someone that always seems to put me first, even without asking for anything. He would tell me every weekend when I ask what he wants to do - " it's your weekend, I'm just living in it". I've gone through so many personal downs in the time we have been together, even within the first months of our relationship, and yet he never turns away. Always my biggest supporter. Bonus: We both love food and he never gets full so I always have someone to be my garbage disposal lol. Jay: That's true! We have grown so familiar with each other's habits throughout the years, that I no longer know who I am anymore. All jokes aside, my favorite part about our relationship is that we have been tested with difficult times, but never forget to have fun and be kind to each other. I can trust her with any stupid question I have or poke fun at her without any judgment because it is always a safe space. I make fun of her all the time for being a goody-two-shoes, but I admire her integrity and the example she sets for my sister (even though sometimes she accidentally steals garlic cloves from the grocery store because she forgets to check the bottom of the tote bag). If you show her love and compassion, she will reciprocate what you give in the grandest gestures. I get so much joy from sitting next to her or laying beside her, as she reminisces on good times and makes plans for the future. I picture us being that old married couple that never needs to say anything fluffy because we already know, plus arthritis is not fun to talk about.