For Jess it was the final day of vacation. For Tyler it was a Friday --- albeit a crappy one. After a long work day and a canceled date, it looked like takeout and a Werner Herzog double feature at home alone. Thankfully, Tyler decided to stop having a pity party halfway through the double bill and open up Bumble where Jess was looking for "someone who didn't look like he would kill me." Jess met Tyler's criteria of "a woman (negotiable.)" Tyler was surprised not only a woman, but a gorgeous, funny, and kind one wanted to actually meet up --- most visitors just want recommendations from a local. After a few messages, they met up at Holy Ground, an Irish-style pub in NOLA's Mid-City neighborhood. Jess says the first thing she noticed about Tyler is the kindness in his eyes. The first thing Tyler noticed about Jess was the genuine joy that emanates from her smile. The awkward first date feelings evaporated almost at first sight. What proceeded was the best date either of them had ever had. The night was filled with a shared love of cinema and conversations about everything from Werner Herzog (Tyler was glad he brushed up before the bar) to Pineapple Express. They traded Letterboxd handles before they exchanged numbers. The next day Jess flew back to Michigan, but the conversation continued for weeks via text, phone, and FaceTime. Tyler had to visit Chicago for work, and they planned a 2nd date in the Windy City. It was, somehow, better than the first and that's when they made the decision to make this relationship happen despite the physical distance. Since then they have navigated a cross country move, COVID, a puppy, deaths in the family, layoffs, and general life annoyances. They can do anything together, and they're thrilled you're a part of this journey with them.