We both lived at the same apartment complex in Austin. Not just the same complex, but the same floor and only 3 doors apart. We first crossed paths through our dogs (Dennis and Charlie) and became accustomed to little waves and some chit chat as we would often be on the same schedule. We quickly learned the dog’s names, but for a while that was it because one of us was always going in while the other coming out. There was definitely a spark there, but time passed with both of us being hesitant to initiate anything further due to the raised stakes associated with living basically next door to each other. Cue more weeks/ months of us each silently evaluating the cost/ benefit of making a move while we continued to smile, wave or say hello in passing in the meantime. Then, fortunately, in late 2021, a new girl moved into the complex and became the self proclaimed apartment social chair. We both started going to these events she organized and found ourselves always gravitating towards each other for long conversations. Slowly but surely after a few of these organized social events happened (and with a little liquid courage on West 6th—a fireball shot to be specific), we admitted to liking each other. That following week we went on our first date and the rest is history!