Anita and Michael probably first met at a frat party at Berkeley (Facebook says they've been friends since 2009), but they didn't really meet until the great connector of all connectors brought them together in 2020: Hinge.

After chatting through Hinge messages for the first month, their first date was at The Edge in Hudson Yards, where they walked around and toured the project during which they bumped into Michael’s coworkers who greeted him like they were best friends. It was Anita's first view into Michael: Mr. Congeniality. Later that evening, a dinner in the freezing cold of outdoor dining ensued where the two talked for hours and instantly clicked. Michael walked Anita home and surprise surprise, the first kiss happened.

Their second date took place the following night after Michael texted Anita asking if she was interested in joining him and some friends for board games and wine. The only problem was it started at 9pm – Anita almost didn't make it because her bedtime is typically 9pm. If staying till 3am to beat Michael at Ticket to Ride and playing Mario Tennis didn't show that she was interested, what could?

Over the next couple months of hanging and spending time together on a near daily basis, Anita and Michael bonded over food, travel (or the thought of travel, once COVID restrictions were lifted – remember those?), friends and family.

Early on in their relationship, Anita and Michael traveled down to DC to visit Anita’s parents for an early Thanksgiving weekend. It was a memorable trip for 180 reasons - the 180 tulips Michael and Anita’s father planted in their first activity together! Afterwards, Anita's mother had cooked up a delicious Taiwanese spread and it was Michael's first time spending time with his future in-laws.

Seeing Michael's bond with her parents is how and when the thought first crossed Anita’s mind that Michael could be the “one.” And for Michael, that thought first crossed his mind during a time in which he experienced the loss of loved ones in his life between 2020 and 2021 – Anita’s unconditional support, cheerfulness and empathy during this unprecedented time proved to Michael that he found his life partner.

Anita moved into Michael’s apartment and the rest is history: they survived a COVID winter in NYC, traveled the world together, and moved to San Francisco to start their next chapter together.