He’ll tell you I was stubborn about verifying who I was, but I’ll tell you—I was simply protecting my heart. I had clear boundaries, and I wasn’t about to budge. This time around, I approached dating with intention. I knew my person wouldn’t push against my boundaries, but would honor them. That’s exactly what he did—and in that space of patience and respect, something rare and beautiful began to bloom. From the very beginning, I knew he was different. Right after we matched, he wanted to speak on the phone —​ like is that still a thing?! But that first call changed everything—it was easy, candid, and left me wanting more. Talking to him quickly became my favorite part of the day. His voice brought comfort, his words created safety, and that became ​o​ur foundation. ​Days had gone by and we ​n​ever confirm​ed what the other looked like. While I’m sure that quietly tested his patience, it also revealed his character​, something that instantly drew me closer. He chose to stay. He chose to build something deeper. And in that space, a true bond began to take root—a love that felt steady and sure, even before we met. In many ways, it felt like our own version of Love Is Blind. When our first date finally arrived, I’ll never forget the moment I saw him. He was tal​l!​ I normally don't do "ballers"—but his big, warm smile, easy laugh, and the kindness in his eyes instantly made me feel at home. This was the man I’d been talking to for hours every day, and in that moment, I knew he had already become my safe place. It was easy. It felt right. And I was already looking forward to seeing him again. But what truly sealed the deal was something only God could orchestrate. At the suggestion of a friend, I had chosen a “password” with God—a special word that, if spoken, would feel like divine confirmation, a whisper from heaven reminding me I could trust this feeling. Without even knowing, he said that very word. It was as if God Himself was gently saying, “This is the one.” From the very beginning, it felt like I was talking to my best friend. And now, that’s exactly who he is—my best friend, my safe place, my greatest adventure, and my forever love. With love, Chantel