It was a Friday after work. We decided to meet at Kenneth Hahn Park in Culver City for our first date. I remember feeling nervous like with any date, but not expectant because my previous dates hadn’t been great and I figured this would be similar.
We hugged when we first met eye-to-eye and then began our walk. We had texted the week or so before and shared stories about weight loss, wanting to be active and continue to be healthy, so walking around a park was the perfect first date.
I decided to take some risks and share things that were very personal to me. I used to tell myself that it was because I had no expectation that this would continue (since none of my other dates had) but I think deep down I wanted to be as authentic as possible. I wouldn’t want him to like me because of who I came across to be but rather who I am. I’m weird and awkward. I like cats, boy bands and pop music, and I had never held hands with a boy, let alone kissed one, before meeting this guy! So I shared that with him, all of it. The cats, the boy bands, the never been kissed…and when the park closed at sunset, he still asked me to continue the date.
We then went to Santa Monica and walked 3rd Street promenade and listened to a street performer sing “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. We sat on a bench to rest and continued to share about our lives, families, thoughts on the world, etc.
We then walked to the Pier and found an open bench where the waves were breaking and crashing beneath us. We sat, listened, and enjoyed the romantic atmosphere. It was all a bit surreal with the sounds and lights of the Pier surrounding us. And just when I least expected, he leaned in and kissed me. My very first kiss.
That was exactly 1 year ago today. We have had some major highs and some pretty low lows. But we have always remained strong. He supports me when I need him most and allows me to be myself even when I’m at my worst. He makes me a better person and I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have him by my side.
Ron, I love you with my whole heart. You make me feel known and loved. You are a smart man who knows how to cook a mean steak and the most delicious veggies I’ve ever had. You have such a soft and generous heart. You love my family as your own and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. You’re simply wonderful and I love you, always.
Everyday Erika 