Story
R I think I always had assumed that one day when the time was right, I would meet someone while walking to work or getting a coffee or girl's night out. The universe would plant “the one” in front of me at exactly the right time and we would be swept up into a picture-perfect whirlwind romance. I used to look down on online dating a little bit at least for myself because it did not seem as authentic, as organic. It did not happen naturally, as I believed meeting “the one” should happen. But then I found myself in a place I had never been before. I felt like I was ready to meet someone who I would marry. I was in Grad school and very busy with two full-time jobs in 2018. No one talks about how difficult it can be to meet someone, or how frustrating it is to be unable to meet someone new when you are ready for a relationship. Most of that time was dedicated to my friends, family, and academics. The rest of it was dedicated to getting to know myself without the influence of a relationship or another person’s expectations. As an extravert who values deep conversation authenticity I did not want to waste time getting to know someone on a superficial level only to discover later that we were not compatible in some way, that meant a lot to me. I know my values and like anyone I had desirable qualities in mind that I did not want to compromise. So, in May 2018 my colleague who also met her now-husband from the same site, talked to me about the dating site, and knowing myself I was like no that is not my style. The next day I stepped back and took a realistic look at my life and my obligations and then decided that maybe --just maybe -- it would not be so bad to try online dating. So, my Colleague Regina signed me up for a dating app. At one in the morning after spending six hours conquering a mountain of work and pay for a whole month for me lol. Boy, the next day I received more than 200 messages from strangers which was a bit overwhelming. My third day on the site which was a Wednesday at work was when I saw a corny comment from Colin which caught my attention on one of the pictures I had posted, it made me smile. I replied to his message, and from there we start talking and he wanted to know more about the Boston area as he was new to the town and knowing me, I am always about helping others and we exchange numbers not knowing he was interested in me and here we are 3 years later. The rest is history, I cannot wait to say I do to the love of my life.
In 2018 I was entering the next chapter of my career: Having moved to New Hampshire and out of my home state of Vermont for the first time I decided it was time to continue my journey accepting a new job position in the big city of Boston. Feeling confident and excited I decided that it may be a good time to meet new people and explore Boston's dating scene. I researched a few dating websites and settled on one, I ended up purchasing a 6 month subscription. While creating my profile the website prompted me with questions and afterward used my answers to match me up with potentially compatible people. The website of course prompted for me to upload a few photos of myself. Having recently uploaded my photos the website would not yet display them as it took a day or so for them to be reviewed and approved by staff before being officially displayed. During this time I was matched with a few singles, one of which was "Rama". I remember two photos specifically: One was of her sitting at a bar with the caption "Bae lookin' like a snack" and the other was of her standing in front of some kind of old vintage car with her posing very confidently with her hands on each of her hips, dressed very nicely with a big smile on her face. Naturally I found her attractive so I decided to send her a message. We messaged back and forth for a couple days, I asked her if I could have her phone number so that we could talk over the phone. On my first day starting my new job I was to wake up early to join the morning traffic from New Hampshire to Boston, the night before Rama had mentioned that she would be getting done with her night shift around the same time I'd be heading to work so we agreed that I'd call her at 6AM. About a week later we decided to meet in person, I proposed we go for a hike. She agreed to meet me in New Hampshire. I few weeks after starting the new job I secured an apartment right across from Fenway park. I decided that despite having investing into the 6 month website, I had already found someone with the full package: Charm, beauty, intelligence, loyalty, honesty.. so I decided to retire the website early. Nearly 3 years later, we made the decision to buy a home together. One day before my 30th birthday I decided I ask Rama if she would be my bride: she accepted. I am constantly reminded how incredibly lucky I am to have met her at the perfect moment in time, how easily things feel into place for us. Rama, you are the most hard working, compassionate, loving person I have met in my entire life. I'm constantly in disbelief at how you're able to work two full time jobs helping in developing life saving vaccines against the modern worlds most pressing crisis, all of this while still finding the time to water your friendships, siblings, and myself with love & care. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be an exceptional wife & life partner. I love you, and can't wait to spend my future together by your side.