Growing up I was always a shy, introverted kid. I was quiet and kept to myself never really stood out amongst the many faces and louder voices. And despite that, I was content. But that complacency brought about understanding. Given the way I am I always assumed love would remain out of reach. That was until the start of September. One simple message about who her Super Smash Bros main was turned into a conversation, which in turn lead to the first date. Arriving at the small, quaint café I began to worry about all the things that could go wrong. I was so nervous that I forgot my mask amidst the start of a pandemic which meant no coffee, yikes! When I finally saw her, I was stunned by her beauty and that vibrant smile which has grown to be my favorite feature. We chatted about various subjects until the date woefully ended and we parted ways wrapping up a lovely afternoon. On the way home I thought that I should make it up to her and get her coffee one day, leaving that idea to sit and simmer. Soon after, the second date happened. We settled down for Tenet to have our minds melted by the time twisting film. Midway through I steeled my nerves and put my arm around her. To her it seemed as if I've done it many times before unware of my nerves being set aflame and my heart racing a million times a second due to the nervousness that wracked my body. Once it ended I drove her home and that's when I stared into those lovely eyes and clumsily fumbled over my words asking for that first kiss that ended a perfect evening. Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. And now we sit at the precipice of a year madly in love and enjoying every moment of it. And you know what? I took her back to that café. I got her that coffee. And to top it off? I put a ring on that finger and I couldn't be happier. In only a few more months, I'll have the chance to marry the love of my life. That shy, quiet introvert got the girl. Miracles truly can happen.

(After a quick serial killer/stability check and a conversation about Super Smash Bros online...) The first time I met Yahib was a quick hour at a chain café and yet as we have looked back, we can see how remarkable and special it truly was. It was during the height of the pandemic, yet the two of us took on the risk of meeting. We'd both swiped right. We shared a short conversation. I was genuine. He was charming and funny. On the date itself, we found out how much we had in common, and how well we got along. We connected, we clicked. If either of us had to choose a word to describe our relationship it would be “effortless”. We so effortlessly fell in love while effortlessly being our exact selves. I love him for everything he is, and somehow, gloriously, he feels the same way about me! When I accepted his marriage proposal I told him that I will choose him every day. And that's exactly what I plan to do. While effortless, I know that things will not always be easy. But I know the decision to love this man and put in the investment will be as simple as the time we first kissed, the time we decided to move in together, the time he proposed… my mind had already been made up before each of these occasions- that I would choose him. Us. We recognize that we are so blessed. Everything which aligned- the minuscule amount of time spent on a specifically chosen dating app's terrible algorithm, combined with a pandemic, combined with our own hesitations, doubts and scars, combined with having the disease itself.... in addition to other countless things that could have driven us apart but in the end.... we still chose each other.