His Story vs Her Story

I, Jack, just moved back home from being away for 5 years in Humboldt County. I was yearning for companionship, as this was during the COVID outbreak and it was very difficult to meet new people. So, me being in my early 20’s decided to download a dating app called Bumble. Before I get into the story about how Nikki and I met, I want to let everyone know that in this app, when you match with another person, the female has to message you first. You can kinda guess where this is going. Anyways, when I first saw Nikki’s profile, my jaw hit the floor in amazement. I scrolled through her profile, before swiping right, of course, and I was instantly infatuated by her. When I swiped right, it was an instant match and she immediately messaged me. The feeling was overwhelming, we had small talk at first and then she went silent. I was confused by this action of hers and was thinking to myself, “Did she really just message me first to ghost me?” Thinking that I just got played, I decided to find her Instagram and messaged her to see if I could get her number. While scrolling through her Instagram, I noticed that her brother Eli and I had mutual friends so obviously used that as a talking point to find common ground. After a little chatter back and forth, she gave me her number. For the next 2 weeks, we facetimed every night for hours on end. Mainly because she was nervous to meet me in person. We talked about anything and everything. The conversations kept flowing with ease and I really wanted to meet her in person. One of the nights we were talking about what we had planned the next day and I was supposed to go paddle boarding with my mom the next morning. She was grabbing breakfast at the Lighthouse Cafe in Newport Beach with some friends. This spot happens to be the exact spot I enter the bay to go paddle boarding. My mom ended up canceling that same morning, but I decided to go still because I knew there could be a slight chance of meeting this exotic girl in person and thank God I did. I texted her to let her know that I was at the water to see if she was still around to finally meet. She responded that she was. When I first saw Nikki, I was fairly nervous and knew she was nervous as well based on the side hug she gave me. We had small talk for about 5 minutes and decided to go paddle boarding for our first date a couple of days later. Fast forward to the present day and I still have that same infatuation for her. She is everything I could have asked for and am so glad that God has placed her in my life. Nikki makes me a better person, makes me strive to do what’s right and continues to surprise me each and every day. Our relationship has not been a walk in the park though. Just like any couple, we have had some rough patches along the way, but we have always seemed to surpass these hurdles together. As long as we lean on each other and put our faith in Jesus Christ, I know we can make this a long fulfilling life together. Who would have thought that my swipe right on Bumble would lead to all of this!

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Our love story began in a way that was anything but ordinary. Me, Nikki, growing up with two older brothers who were always a bit protective made dating a challenge. So, when my friends encouraged me to try Bumble during the pandemic, it felt like a leap into the unknown.

On June 5, 2020, my friends and I turned it into a game, seeing who could get the most out-of-state matches in a short time. In the midst of our playful competition, I matched with Jack. At that moment, I didn’t think much of it; I was focused on winning and quickly forgot our brief chat.

Then, on June 8th, I received a DM on Instagram from a strikingly tall and handsome blue-eyed guy named Jackkaub1. We exchanged messages, and when I asked for his Snapchat, he surprised me by saying he already had it from Bumble. I was a bit taken aback and slightly disheartened; after all, he was a Bumble guy. But then he asked for my phone number, and I took a chance. I’m so glad I did.

Our connection grew as we spent hours FaceTiming each night, sharing stories and getting to know one another. But throughout our conversation, I kept telling him, “I can’t meet a guy from Bumble, you could be a serial killer”. Despite my nerves about meeting Jack in person, he remained patient and understanding.

Then, one day, I mentioned my plans to paddle board at Lighthouse Café with my friends. To my surprise, Jack revealed he was also planning to paddle board there with his mom, hinting that we might just cross paths. My heart raced at the thought, but I doubted our timing would align.

That morning, however, Jack texted me early to ask what time I was heading over. As it turned out, we were both on our way! While enjoying breakfast at Lighthouse Café, my friends and I spotted Jack walking toward us, while holding his paddle board on his head. Panic set in, and I had no idea how to react. My friends urged me to go down as he approached, and he politely introduced himself and then asked my friends if he could steal me for a moment. They quite literally pushed me in his direction and told me to go.

After a brief conversation, Jack looked at me and asked, “Now that you’ve met me in person, will you go on a date with me?” Without hesitation, I said yes. Just three days later, we met again at the same spot for our first paddle-boarding date.

Fast forward five years, and here we are—engaged and happier than ever. I couldn’t be more grateful that I took a chance on this Bumble guy, as he has truly become my partner for life.