It was December 6th, 2021. After weeks of swiping and typing on Facebook Dating, (yes facebook dating is a thing) a charming smile had caught my eye. His name was Mike, and we had decided to meet for breakfast at the Pantry Diner in Rockville Centre. As I walked into the diner, I was met with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Then I saw him—tall, with a welcoming smile that seemed to light up the room. Relief washed over me; he looked as good in person as he did in his photos. Sometimes online dating felt like a gamble, but that day, it felt like a win. We settled into a booth by the. window, and as we talked, the conversation flowed effortlessly. I soon discovered something that made our meeting feel even more unexpected: Mike's boss was none other than my Uncle. What a small world! It was as if the universe was giving us a little nudge, suggesting that perhaps this connection was meant to be. The ease of our conversation and the way Mike made me laugh were enough to convince me to say yes to a second date. The month of December became a whirlwind of shared moments. We built gingerbread houses together, and cooked our first meal together. Cooking became our love language, and every meal we prepared together was a testament to our growing bond. The new year of 2022 brought with it a deepening connection. We met each other's families and friends, weaving our lives together with each shared experience. Our goals and dreams became intertwined as we supported one another in every endeavor. The love we had found in each other made us better people and more motivated to build a future together. Our love story is sprinkled with unforgettable adventures. One of our favorites was a trip to Mexico, where Mike lovingly cared for me through my seasickness while we still managed to catch fish! We basked in the sun, creating memories in paradise. Family vacations quickly became our cherished tradition. We reveled in the excitement of Atlantic City's boardwalk and casinos, dined at amazing spots like Hell’s Kitchen and Nobu, and savored sunsets at Virginia Beach, where the salty breeze felt like pure magic. We also found joy in local farmers' markets across Long Island and Brooklyn, where fresh veggies and hand-crafted cheeses became part of our weekend rituals. Exploring these markets added a spice to our lives. Our weekends are often filled with visits to cozy coffee shops, where we’d savor meticulously brewed espresso and enjoy each other’s company. These simple moments of relaxation became a beautiful reward after our busy weeks, deepening our love with every cup. As we continue to write our story, I look back on our journey with immense gratitude and joy. We’ve built a life filled with adventures, laughter, and love. And with each new experience, I know that our story is only just beginning.