They both swiped right for each other on the infamous Tinder app. Richard asked Ruth if she was stranded on an island and could have 1 can of soup, what flavor she would choose. She hooked him when she said "Minestrone". For their first date, they went to a local dinner spot in Cedar City, UT, got coffee for dessert, and drove up the mountain to see the fall colors on the aspen trees. During that time, they laughed, they cried, they admired each others Subaru's, but most of all, they truly enjoyed each other's company.

Soon after dating exclusively, COVID struck. They decided to move in together because they wanted to continue dating, but also keep others safe. After a few months, Richard got a job at Bryce Canyon National Park for the summer, starting their long distance journey. Ruth visited about once a week where they kayaked, hiked, fished, camped, and grew to really love each other and love Bryce Canyon NP. At the end of the summer, Richard moved to the DC area to be closer to his daughter, Savannah. They thought being an hour and a half away from each other was difficult. Well, being 3,000 miles apart was much harder. Still in the COVID lockdown days, travel and visits were out of the question. Thanks to video chat, their relationship continued to thrive. Things got creative there. Movie dates included watching the same movie at the same time while also on video chat. You get the picture (pun intended). Ruth was ready to see Richard, and so she found an excuse to move closer to him. That excuse was grad school in the DC area. After moving across the country, Ruth and Richard were able to see each other every week again until they finally decided to move back in with one another. Virginia was beautiful, being near Richard's sister Valerie and her family was also wonderful. They got to host several friends from out west as COVID restrictions let up, showing them how cultured they had become during their East-coast time. This included Great Falls NP and, of course, the National Mall. Just a few months later, it was time to move back out West. Arizona was the chosen spot. As Savannah entered first grade, soccer, basketball, mountain biking, and swimming became popular past times for everyone to participate in. All chose to dig roots, as both friends and lasting connections were made. Still in Arizona, Richard and Ruth decided they wanted to make things official between them and stay on this rollercoaster together.