When the pandemic started in March 2020, we didn’t realize how much our lives would change. Without the opportunities to meet someone out and about, we relied on the powers of internet dating and the Hinge app. After connecting in April, we had a few FaceTime dates and really hit it off, even with a certain Shih Tzu insisting on his inclusion as a third wheel. We finally met in person on May 12, and took Dierks on our very first joint walk around the reservoir in Weehawken and Union City. It was a simple, no-frills first date that offered us the chance to get to know who we really were. We continued the ritual, adding takeout lunches from our favorite local restaurants, every Tuesday for the next two months while building the foundation of our relationship.