We had both been doing online dating for a bit, him way more than me... But, you could tell neither of us had high hopes after any of our recent attempts... we texted a bit, but only enough to keep the conversation going until our first date (so that I could prove myself right and stay single)! We met in the parking lot of Cheddar's, and my first impression was "Oh great, he looks like a lumber jack (fluffy buffalo plaid jacket, baggy jeans, and dad shoes) and has a bushy beard." We had a great conversation about our kids, our friends, our past relationships, what we do in our kid free time, (he had some interesting hobbies), but, I couldn't believe I was actually having a great time! I really didn't want the conversation to be over and that was a first for me. Right before I got in the car he went in for a kiss, I believe it was my first ever kiss on a first online date. Looking back on the experience, Michael made me feel like I was already a part of his life from day one. He has felt like home to me.... We have been talking to each other all day, every day since that date. Also, the beard has never been that long again, thank god!

Online dating is hard and I was at the end of my rope with the whole experience when I came across Kristin's profile on Bumble. What drew me to her was the fact that she was close to my age and also had a young child. That was something that you didn't see often in the dating world, most women around my age were at, or approaching their own empty nest. Another thing that attracted me to her, was her wonderful smile. She has a cheerleader smile for sure and it was infectious. Still, its online dating so you are looking at a sculpted view of someone's life with carefully chosen photos and words. We started talking and eventually decided to meet for lunch. At this point, my beard was the longest it has ever been and I was constantly rocking my, now missing buffalo plaid jacket, (I think Kristin threw it away), and we met up at Cheddars. Conversation was easy with her, I told her how I was into wrestling (the male soap opera kind) and that I was heading to my friend's band practice after. I was not painting a very inviting picture for this, or really any woman at this point! She was also one of the very few dates that I was on, that told the waiter separate checks. Not that I mind to pay, but it does get expensive for single males if they are footing the bill on every date, especially when its a bad one! We went to say our goodbyes in the parking lot, we hugged and I walked away. I think as I was walking away I said something about a kiss and she was like, well you didn't try. So I ran back to her and had one of the most amazing kisses ever and then another one and another one. From there, that was the start of this crazy journey that would be our life together.