In typical Millenial (but just barely) fashion, Stephen and I met in the early days of Tinder! We both swiped right and started texting one Saturday night when Stephen was on his way home from "First Saturdays" at the Brooklyn Museum and while I was on my way home from a night out with friends. After several days of texting, we spoke on the phone and while Stephen's Worcester, Mass. accent caught me off guard, I was intrigued. For our first date we met at Central Park, went out for dinner at Bubby's in TriBeCa, then capped off the night with a drink and watched some Baylor Basketball! I was really intimidated by Stephen because he set off an effortlessly cool vibe. I still remember every detail of the outfit he wore on our first date (Opening Ceremony Vans, his father's old sweatshirt, khaki pants, and the piece de resistance, a green just-puffy-enough-but-not-too-puffy vest). Though he looked like a "too cool for school" kind of guy, he was respectful, kind, and lighthearted. I immediately found that I enjoyed Stephen's company and I knew this man was special. Stephen made a huge positive lasting impression when, as I walked upstairs to my apartment after that first date, he called me to make sure I got home safely. It's then that I knew: he's a keeper!

By the tender age of 29, I felt like it was the time to give Online Dating a chance. After swiping right, we decided to meet in Central Park. From the moment I saw Wowie, I knew she was beautiful but our stroll only displayed other lovely qualities, such as her kindness and intelligence. This date led to several others which led me to saying "I love you" in front of the Brooklyn Museum which leads me to here, The Why. I'm NOT doing this because I have to. I'm NOT doing this because you want me to. I'm doing this because life is a challenge and there's no one else in this world I'd rather face this challenge with, than Marianne. I see Marianne as my rock. I see Marianne as the mother of our exceedingly adorable children. I see Marianne as a reminder of why I'm here. I see Marianne as my Lover and Best Friend. We may stumble at times but gravity keeps us grounded. Love is something that we're always learning, I hope you agree :)