Jacob

Our relationship started slowly. We met in passing at a bar during the 2008 primaries; it was loud, neither of us were there for long, and we didn't talk much. Later, I got invited to her (redacted) birthday party by our mutual friend, Laura (did you know she is a bridesmaid?!). We danced a bit and went as a group to get pizza at Artichoke. She gave me a bite of her pizza, and then the group dispersed. I walked home and remembered her red dress. Then a few weeks later, we saw the movie Up, again with a group of friends.

We started talking a bit online during work. We'd just chat, and sometimes she'd send me Spanish phrases. I'd try to guess what they meant using a smattering of French grammar, some high school Latin vocabulary, and a healthy dose of online Spanish-to-English dictionaries. Soon we were talking a lot, and eventually that lead to hanging out. We'd met up a couple of times for dinner, but things were still a little bit ambiguous. 

One night, I was at a bar with a few friends enjoying a happy hour, and Sandy sent me a text message. I wish I still had it, but it's now long gone. I, bolstered by more than a few half-priced beers, instantly interpreted it to mean something along the lines of "we should hang out." I replied with an emphatic agreement. Sandy responds along the lines of, "are you sure you understood?" Again, emphatically yes. 

The next day, we were talking online about things, and the 5pm was rolling around. Sandy asked me what we were doing. I was totally confused; I had been waiting for her to suggest something all day, and it never happened. It turns out I had totally flubbed it. I had emphatically agreed to go out on a date, and I had failed to tell her where I was going to meet her. I felt mortified, but had to laugh. I luckily used to live in Sandy's old neighborhood, so I conjured a nearby spot, and said, "Of course we're still on, let's meet at Penelope."

The date went really well. We just talked and talked. Sandy has this way of making you feel that she's really listening, like what you're saying is important and meaningful, even if you're just telling her some stupid story about your family. We were sitting there at the distressed wooden table top, and I had this moment of self awareness that took me out of the flow of things. In the moment of reflection, it just struck me how special the person sitting across the table from me was. And it was all down hill from there.   

So Sandy and I have been together for about five years now. It sounds like a long time when I say it out loud. But it doesn't feel that way. Does it feel weird to have had hands for your entire life? Or a nose on your head? She's as much a part of my life now as anything. 

 Sandy

Our story started at a beach on a fateful summer day. The ocean breeze fanned a romantic flame...our gazes locked as we reached for the same seashell. Just kidding. Jake crashed my 25th birthday party at a hip hop bar. We danced, shared artichoke pizza, and chatted until it was time to call it a night.

A few weeks later we watched Up with a few friends. I remember riding the subway back with Laura (our mutual friend) and playing the name-an-animal-that-reminds-you-of-a-friend game to kill time.  Out of curiosity I asked, "How about Jacob?" She replied, "Bald eagle or golden retriever." Interesting. I was smitten. 

I don't think there was an “aha” moment early in our relationship. Things just evolved organically and effortlessly.  But I’ll never forget the night before my flight to Hawaii. Jake had been in Chicago all week and we were supposed to meet for dinner after he flew in. As the airport gods would have it, his flight was significantly delayed and he didn't get back to NYC until 2 am.  I had to leave for the airport at 4 am.

We lived in different neighborhoods and It didn't make much sense, but we met at a diner at 3 am. We shared bagels and coffee and talked until it was time for me to leave. I knew we'd see each other in a week's time, but something about both of us being so resolute to meet made that bagel run that much more special.  

I won't gush about how much I love Jake, but the last five years have been pretty remarkable. I continue to be blown away by his thoughtfulness and warmth, and charmed by his sense of humor. I am so honored to share my life with him.