This is a unique story, not a tale as old as time. Not your grandmother's love letters, and not a cliche serendipitous chance at forever. But rather, a twist of fate. Many may not know this, but Tinder brought Neslene and Karl together. Yes, you read that right, Tinder. The manifestation of the dating digital age that has failed us time and time again. Some may say dating apps are disasters, others it has led to a life of love and happiness. This story is the latter. It was a sunny day in San Diego, August 2016. Karl recently moved from Northern California and it was time to dip his feet in the tanned SoCal pools of women. Naturally the only way millennials know how, Karl decided to do some left and right swiping to pass the time. Karl’s thumb grazed his screen… Left, left, left, left “Wait a minute,” Karl quickly sat up and read a profile,“Here for a good time not a long time.” “Ou, she’s hot!,” Karl swiped right, threw his phone down and hoped for the best. The day pressed on and as the evening approached, his ancient Android buzzed with a notification. The phone read, “Tinder: Congratulations! You have a new match!” “Let's goooo!!!” Karl exclaimed in his head. Neslene's profile popped up and he initiated the first message. ___________ Neslene was plopped on her couch as she scrolled aimlessly on Tinder. Neslene swiped.. Left, ou! RIGHT, left, RIGHT, RIGHT “We have potential today!" Nes told herself. Neslene’s iPhone 7 buzzed. She picked it up to see a bright notification. “Tinder: Congratulations! You have a new match” Neslene giggled as she opened the app. She said to herself, says he’s half Vietnamese but he looks full white? She paused to scroll through his photos. “OK muscles!!” “Ouu he already messaged me!” “Hey cutie, how’s it going?” said Karl. “Good! Thinking about what my friend and I are doing tonight.” Nes responded. “Nice! I’m new to San Diego, where do people go out around here?” “I think we’re going downtown tonight. Have you been there?” “No, but maybe I will tonight! We should grab a drink!” “Yea why don’t you meet me down there around 8, I know of a spot. It’s called Hooters!” Karl was puzzled. Hooters? He thought to himself before he responded. Like Hooters, Hooters? Hmm, well I do like the Daytona chicken wings. “Cool, let’s do Hooters! I’ll meet you there at 8!” Nes called her friend Laura “I'm meeting this guy tonight. Can you come with me to meet him? I’m too nervous to go alone and if he’s weird we can just make up an excuse and leave.” “Sure, where are we meeting him?” Laura asked. “I just told him Hooters because it’s right there next to everything.” Laura thought to herself, Hooters? Like Hooters, Hooters? After that fateful night in Gaslamp San Diego, they were inseparable. And have been ever since. From staying up all night in the car talking, to going out and dancing the night away, the stars perfectly aligned and destiny would have its way. This coming February, Nes and Karl will have been together for just two years shy of a decade. Anyone in their company, whether for the first time or many times, can attest to the love between them.. It’s comforting, it’s playful, it’s easy and it’s endearing. They make the room brighter with their shared energy and remind you, life doesn’t need to be so serious all the time. Many might be shocked to find that a Tinder fairytale has led you to this point in their lives, but, in the truest sense, they are the epitome of when you know, you know. We are excited for their next step in love and life, and welcome you to witness the beginning of another chapter, in what has been, a beautiful adventure. A #KNventure. See you all, very soon.