We met as a result and Angela and Carey playing matchmaker. Angela waiting until we stopped for ice cream to bring up "a friend" of Carey's who might be coming over to their place. I have never liked being set up with people and today was really no different. I told Angela that I didn't care what they did so she took that as permission to invite this anonymous person over. They did not provide any information about the guy....no name or anything. Fast forward, we were getting ready to watch movies and eat American Deli wings. As I get comfortable and into my food, this guy named "Jay" shows up. All I know at this point is that he and Carey are in medical school together and they played video games earlier that day. So boom. Jay comes in and sit on the couch next to me, introduced himself. I said hey and kept my responses short. I'm trying to eat my lemon pepper wings. Not hold a conversation with this person I don't know.

Bowlero and The Baked Bear and then to Brick and Spoon the next day. After the initial nerves settled, we had a great time. (Ice cream is almost always a mood booster for Shankitta.) We played arcade games and maybe two games of bowling. What could be better than that? Trash talking and competitive streaks made the first date worth it. We parted ways near midnight and made plans to grab food before Jay left to go back to Mobile. He seemed to be comfortable talking and having casual conversation. I'm typically guarded and reserved when I first meet someone, but our interactions seemed very natural at this point. There was little expectation about this connection lasting or moving to something more serious. Jay knew after the first date that he was interested in seeing where things went. It took me a little while longer AKA our second date to recognize that this thing between us had real potential. As we continued to talk on the phone and get to know each other, we both agreed to give a committed relationship our best efforts by January 2021. There has been no looking back since then. Prior to us meeting one another, the pursuit of love had been futile for us both. I guess it is true what they say about going through challenges makes you cherish the good things in life.