As some of the classic love stories of the 21st century goes, Katie and I met on a dating app. Katie is from the New England area, and I’m from Spokane, Washington. At the time, Katie was living in Boise, Idaho, pursuing her own journey, and I was in a place where I was searching for connection and friendship. Two people from completely different parts of the country, leading separate lives, might never have crossed paths—but one quick swipe changed everything. When I swiped on Katie, it wasn’t with much thought—if I’m honest, I might have swiped the wrong way! But Katie swiped on me, and her decision became the start of something neither of us could have imagined. I sent her a simple “Hey...” and somehow, right from the start, I felt this inexplicable sense that she was someone special. Even before meeting her, I had this unshakable feeling that Katie would love me in the way I’d always needed—completely, unconditionally, and with a kind of patience and understanding that felt like coming home. Katie has been my constant ever since. She has supported me through so many highs and lows, always offering love without conditions. Her kindness, her humor, her unwavering belief in me—they all make me feel like the luckiest person alive. Together, we’ve shared countless beautiful memories, from simple moments of joy in each other’s company to the kind of laughter that makes your stomach hurt. It’s the everyday gestures, though, that remind me why I fell in love with her: the way she listens so intently, the way she celebrates my successes, and the way she makes me feel completely seen. The moment I knew I wanted to spend my life with Katie wasn’t a single grand event but a series of moments—those quiet, unremarkable times when her presence alone felt like everything I’d ever needed. She is my best friend, my anchor, and my greatest love. Meeting her might have started with a swipe, but our story is one of growth, connection, and the kind of love that feels as inevitable as it is extraordinary. Facing the challenges of a looming long-distance relationship, Katie and I knew that geography wasn’t going to stand in the way of what we had found. We made a choice: we would embark on this journey together, no matter the miles between us. Because when you know, you know.