HOW WE MET

We met at University. We were both doing a semester abroad at the London Metropolitan University. We met in the program when we arrived and were checking in. There were a lot of us. I was a bit nervous and confused. Elena, this is kind of her thing. She's a bit of an anglophile, Pride and Prejudice and all that. Me? I just wanted to see the world and don't speak another language. I was just asking her questions. I wasn't even thinking anything. I mean, I would have asked the door if it could talk. I mean, I was lost, like... how to write the date?.. kind of lost. Don't get me wrong, she is attractive and a bit wild. But I mean, we were in University, and there were a hundred other beautiful girls, all of whom I didn't feel I had a chance. She seemed smart. She was kind and ready and willing to help out a fool. I was really the odd man out.

The next day I was in the cafe just around the corner and she sat down started talking like we were old friends. That's what I like about traveling. At that point, we only knew each other, nobody else. I kind of see it as fate leaning my way. There was no, "Will you go out with me?" kind of situation. One day to the next we just kept meeting and we ended up basically spending the whole summer together. It took me a month to kiss her, which is really stupid, but I suppose that tells you a lot about me. I mean, think about it, we are visiting all these beautiful places like Westminster Abbey, pubs, theaters, Knotting Hill, everything. I mean, very romantic, like in the movies romantic. All I could think about is "Does she like me?" I tell you, she could have stuck her tongue down my mouth and I would have still wondered, does she like me?

Well, summer ended. I went back to Michigan, She went back to Providence. We kept in touch for a while and tried to do the distance thing, and then it just kind of faded I guess. Like our meeting, there was no formal break-up, no animosity, just kind of this unstated acceptance of the reality of our situation. About two years after I graduated, I saw an internship for animation studio in Providence. I can brew beer, and Rhode Island has a lot of beer pubs. So I thought, why not? I mean, really. I had never been happier, more confident, more me than that summer with her. So, I thought, maybe it is a chance in hell, but I am going to take it. I sent her a post, tell her I was moving to Providence. She wrote something like, "Yeah! Let's Meet!" with a bunch of huggie emojis.

It was weird. We met the Thursday after I arrived, and we were off again like there was no break. We were just together. She kind of leads the direction and I like where she is going so I go along. You know what else is weird? I do woodwork now. Nothing I studied relates to my life, other than the basics, math, history, reading, etc. I had this thought though. It seems to me that my entire education served only one purpose, it brought me to her. So, in that respect, it was worth it. Best thing that ever happened to me.

HOW I PROPOSED

Here is the thing, if she were doing the proposal, it would have been spectacular. I am a bit ordinary, traditional, typical guy. Her mom and dad like to do these family get-togethers about once a month, like a really nice casual restaurant by the coast. I had the ring for about three months, just trying to figure out how to do it. So finally I just told myself, screw it, I am going to do it. I only told my friend Ben, and Invited him and his girl, Cheryl, to go. Only he knew what was up. I told him to have his phone ready for pictures. Anyway, we were there. We finished ordering. I ordered a bottle of wine and everybody started digging on me because they know I am not a wine drinker. A nice IPA suits me fine. It is just what I imagine as "romantic." We we get the wine. I pour and pass around like we are going to do a toast. Only then I realize, this is really a stupid idea. What am I going to do, hold a glass of wine in one hand and the ring in the other? Finally, someone says, "Is this a toast?" "Yes," I say, "it is, but first I have to do something." Then I just did it. I sat the glass on the table, pulled out the ring, and got down on one knee and said, "Elena, will you marry me?" Simple. I think about everyone nearly crapped themselves. Then after a bit of silence her brother yells out, "Answer him for Christ's sake, we got food coming!" That kind of knocked her out of shock. "Yes!" She said. "YES! YES! YES!" and she kissed me. Now really, I knew she would say yes. I know her family liked me. Believe me, if I had any doubt, I wouldn't have done it, especially with her family, but we all get along nicely. Simple though. I wish I was one of those guys that get all creative and plan this out. But... I don't know... it worked. It was nice with the whole family. I think it made it special for her. You would have to ask her. But, it worked, which was the point.