Jalen and I started hanging out in October of 2021. I was 19, working at a dog kennel. He was 21, a power sports mechanic. We were young, figuring life out, and apparently figuring out how to flirt, too. After our very first date, Jalen walked me to the door, said goodbye… and gave me a fist bump. Yes. A fist bump. Not a hug. Not a kiss. A firm, friendly, “see ya, buddy” fist bump. So naturally, I went inside thinking, What just happened? Mixed signals would be an understatement. Romantic? Questionable. Confusing? Absolutely. Memorable? 100%. Thankfully, he must have realized he couldn’t wife someone after a fist bump goodbye, because on November 12, 2021, he officially asked me to be his girlfriend…with much clearer intentions. From there, we’ve been inseparable. What started as “just hanging out” turned into building a life we’re so proud of. We’ve grown so much together, made countless memories, gone on adventures, bought our first home, and learned that we’re at our best when we’re side by side. And because November is clearly our month, on November 22, Jalen redeemed himself by getting down on one knee. (No fist bump this time.) And of course, I said yes!! From awkward beginnings to forever, our story has been full of laughter, growth, and choosing each other every single day. Turns out, the fist bump worked after all.🤭