Origin Story
Of all social media to bring people together, Instagram may be considered among the least likely prospective dating platforms. It's highly visual, sure, which suits the eyes - but lacks the chemistry to make matches in any real, lasting, or effective way. Its strengths lie mostly in putting folks with similar interests in your virtual circle.
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Somehow though, that seems to be enough - at least for us. A few years ago, mutual interests and followers somehow brought Anthony and I near each other's orbits. What started as a casual "Follow" on each others' pages then launched into private messages when I made one fateful observation in my IG story:
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"Growing up sucks.
No one even asks what your favorite dinosaur is anymore."
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In slides Anthony with his dinosaur of choice while prompting me to do the same. Could I be blamed for reasoning that this simple gesture was all it took to win me over? (Not to mention, his is Velociraptor and mine is Deinonychus.)
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Sometimes folks, it's just meant to be. Nothing more to it.
1263 Miles
Months of getting to know one another online acted as a catalyst for our budding relationship. Having both been recently dealing with emotional trainwrecks the year and even months prior, both he and I were diligent in going slower than what emotions alone might beg for. Video chats opened the window of our lives to each other, Discord group game nights brought our friends into the picture, and every day the calling for more got stronger.
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As Anthony famously puts it, yes. I was the first one to put our Minecraft beds together.
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So there was nothing left but to meet in person. Nervous as we were, we pitched in to buy a flight for me to see him in his native Floridian habitat. I was about to see just what I was getting myself into, anxieties and past relationship scars be damned.
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Then here he comes in the airport, wandering around in search of me as best as he can with only online interaction to go off of...but upon seeing me with immediate recognition, he sweeps me up and plants a big bearded kiss on me as a welcome.
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That was Thanksgiving, three years ago. This man brought me into his house and we cooked Thanksgiving dinner together, just us two, and me having never done it before (because I am straight useless in the kitchen). There were disasters and laughs and love to no end, and he couldn't wait any longer to make it official. Right over our Thanksgiving ham he asked if we could just start dating already, and I told him it was a fine idea.
The Big Move(s)
Quickly we started making plans, leading us moving out of our respective home states within 6 months. Off we rode to South Carolina with cats and trucks in tow, wrangling the wild ride we've come to learn is our life together.
Our time in the Carolinas brought about many significant events. We rescued animals, and some lived their last days with us in our little country home.
So began our frequent travels, from roadtrips just a couple hours off to intense drives 12 hours away that we stubbornly began fresh off a full day's shift. Together we furthered our education, made friends. We bought our dream cars, land, a house...and all while loading ourselves up with more hobbies and projects than we could even remember to keep up with.
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And Now...
Three action packed years later, and we have yet to experience a dull moment. (Or a vacation just for us.)
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Lost loved ones, welcomed new ones. Found exactly where we want to be.
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We are blessed beyond measure and love to no end.
And we're only a few years in!
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Here's to a hundred and more, Anthony.
