In typical fashion, David was running late. He was enjoying a typical Saturday of cuddling with MJ when he realized he needed to get ready for his Tinder date. He looked back at the Tinder conversation to remember if his date went by Matthew or Matt and exactly what time he needed to be at Charley's. Luckily he was hungry, so the excitement of having Pizza Styx motivated him to move more quickly. As he looked at his watch, he realized walking wasn't an option, so he called the Lyft which dropped him off at Charley's. The hostess brought him to a table, but he asked for a booth - David has a tendency of using his entire body when eating and needed to maximize the space. After chatting a bit with the waitress to calm his nerves, in walked this incredibly handsome-looking man. They caught eyes, immediately hugged, then began a night full of conversations and laughs. David never met someone so in tune with what he was saying. This guy didn't get bored after hearing story after story about the Peace Corps. He asked about David's cat (even after sharing he was a dog person), was curious about David's sisters, and then opened up about his family and personal life. Matthew even believed David had walked to Charley's. From that first night, David knew Matthew was someone special. His ability to listen and to validate, his authentic smile, and his calmness made their first night together the most important night in David's life. And let's be honest, his glasses, musical talent, height, and love of food and eating didn't hurt either.

How many times did I swipe right on David prior to our first date? Four. How many times after those swipes did we actually set a date? One. What was that first date like? Priceless. It was a dark and frigid evening in Ann Arbor. I parked across from Rick's on my way to our first date at Charley's. What a better place for two alums to share a first date than at Good Time Charley's, sharing pizza styx and a fishbowl? David asked me before meeting, "would it be too much if we had a fishbowl on our first date?" I replied, "I think it would be too much if we had our own fishbowl on the first date." :) I knew I found the one. Then David lied, but I wouldn't know that until several months into our relationship. He "walked" to Charley's from his apartment in the freezing cold (he ubered), he wore a hat (could barely see his face), and he shoveled into the ranch with his pizza styx. This may sound like me ridiculing David, but I wouldn't want it any other way. David showed me who he truly was on the first date, and that is how it should be. After Charley's we went to Haymaker and played several get to know you games (foreshadowing our love of games together and the location where we would plan this wedding in future months). I was SO NERVOUS to kiss him, but I knew if I didn't, I might not see him again. That kiss, that night, sealed our fate together. Now, several trips later, over a dozen stage performances, numerous road trips, No Thai containers, double jack & cokes, and croissants at the farmer's market, I am more than ready for my forever with David. 33 years was worth the wait for David. They always say good things come to those who wait, and I truly believe that :). Here is to the next 33 years together David and beyond!