How We Met After swiping right on the guy the universe clearly wanted me to swipe right on, I met my elusive match — Kyle. We started texting almost non-stop, and he had all the right responses to my critical questions — the most important one being: what is a reasonable temperature to set the thermostat at? His answer? “Well, I know you run hot, so I’d say 62.” I was instantly impressed that he listened to the details that weren’t blatantly spoken. He mentioned he’d be doing the Mammoth March — a 20-mile hike in the summer — and I told him I’d never survive something like that because I’d probably melt in the heat. He earned some serious kudos for that one. After a few days of chatting, I asked when he’d like to meet up. He suggested a coffee date, which soon turned into a late lunch date. I was hopeful, excited, and admittedly a little nervous. Meanwhile, Kyle says he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had met a few people online before, but something about our conversations felt easy and real. So, as he sat in his car on that glorious first date waiting for me, he got a text from me that said, “I’m running late because I needed gas and air in my tire.” He laughed and replied, “I’m here when you get here.” When I finally arrived, I smiled and waved at him — and apparently, it was the first time anyone had ever done that, because he still remembers it. What really impressed him, though, was when I didn’t just pull into the parking spot… I backed in like an absolute boss. (He’ll never let me forget that one.) As he got out of his car, fumbling for his wallet, he heard the quick shuffle of little feet on the pavement. He looked left, then right — and there I was, this five-foot-something girl with the biggest grin on my face, saying the most excited “hi!” He still jokes about my “penguin flappers” as I went in for the bear hug he promised me. Once inside, we sat down, started looking at the menu, and at the same time both said something about ordering the pretzel. I said, “Ooh, we HAVE to get the pretzel!” before he could even suggest it — and that small moment sealed the deal. From there, the conversation flowed so naturally. Kyle had me laughing, completely at ease, and it felt like we’d known each other for much longer than a few days of texting. After lunch, he walked me back to my car, we shared a kiss, and from that moment on… the rest was history. Looking back, it’s amazing how something as simple as a swipe turned into something so extraordinary. That day wasn’t just a first date — it was the beginning of the rest of our lives together. (And in true Kyle fashion — he’d like everyone to know that while I may have written this out, he “definitely told me what to say.”) ❤️