It all started with Jasmine's art featured on Carlos' Instagram feed. It is called "Heart Grows Fonder," and it was inspired by one of Jasmine's patient’s mindfulness practices that he developed to cope with the depression of a recent loved one’s death. This sparked an interest and she just happened to be Carlos' best friend's (David) co-resident at VCU Psychiatry. David invited "some random guy" to a party. This is where Jasmine and Carlos were instantly magnetized to each other. They talked non-stop for an hour while playing bartenders. Their eyes would be glued to one another while they shared their passions for psychiatry, addiction medicine, and empathy. Their nights went their separate ways and that was that. They wouldn't talk to each other again until 6 months later. Like most modern-day couples, they initially communicated through memes on Instagram. After sharing multiple memes about existentialism, Spongebob, and gardening, Carlos knew he could trust Jasmine. He asked Jasmine for recommendations for an upcoming trip to Iceland and she pointed him towards Friðheimar, a farm-to-table restaurant, known for their tomato soups. Once again, they were on the same page. Upon returning, they finally had some real conversations about car troubles, R&B, and civil rights. They finally had their first date in April 2023 over more commonalities, mezcal and an ol' fashioned. Over the next several months Carlos would routinely make the drive to Richmond to see her. Jasmine was skeptical and thought this relationship was too good to be true. She would be reluctant to buy-in until months later when she finally asked Carlos to be her boyfriend.

First of all, Carlos spent a lot of time pursuing me. I don't think that was made clear enough in his writing prompt. I didn't ask him to be my boyfriend!!! I asked him to ask me to be his girlfriend. Other than that, he's right. I first saw him walk into the party and I couldn't help but notice his beautiful dimples and endless curls. He was also just a full foot taller than everyone in the room, so that might have helped. I couldn't help but notice his calming presence amid the chaos. And his very intent gaze.... was in fact magnetizing. It started with him sliding into my DMs (insert rolling eyes emoji- hehe) and lots of excitement. It was only several months later when I truly got to know him. I was so surprised by how much we had in common... it felt way too good to be true. I was cautious and apprehensive, but his kindness and intentionality won me over. Soon after we started our relationship with one another, I learned that he was the one. I once asked him, "How quickly do you fall in love?" I have known no one more thoughtful, loving, and genuine in my entire life. I am so very grateful to have met my forever.