Tommy and I met through mutual friends about three years ago, right after the pandemic. We were all eager to get out of the house and reconnect, so we ended up at our favorite bar back home. Tommy was goofy, confident, and instantly endearing. Over the next year or so, we’d occasionally cross paths while out with friends, and I’d tell people that, if the timing was right, I could definitely see myself getting to know him better. Then, after several months of not seeing each other, we bumped into each other again. This time, I realized just how much we had in common—both of us were not big drinkers we both loved animals, and most importantly, we both shared not taking life so darn seriously. It was incredibly refreshing. After spending some time together, I remember telling my sister and best friend, "I’m going to date Tommy. I think he’s the one, it’s just not the right time yet." Three months later, the timing finally fell into place. We made plans to spend more time together, and from then on, we’ve been inseparable.