The meet cute(s)

Philly:  In 2023, I felt like God said “not now,” so I logged off the dating apps like a responsible, obedient daughter of the King… and also someone who refuses to end up on a crime documentary.

Ben:  Meanwhile, I was out here reading books, teaching kids, and wondering if I would find love again.

The Match

Philly:  I saw a teacher with nice teeth and “Jesus” in the profile. 

Ben:  I saw a gorgeous professor. That’s all I needed to know.

The Book Exchange

Philly:  He sent me a picture of his current reads. Why did this man have the same books as me? He read Twelve Days in June? I checked my social media privacy settings immediately. Clearly I was being catfished. Right?

Ben:  She asked if I was catfishing her. I was just trying to talk about literature and learn more about her bike. She called her bike “sexy.“

The Book Club Question

Philly:  I asked him what book we’d read together first if we started a bookclub. He said All About Love by bell hooks. I said “Quit playing with me.” bell hooks - the Black feminist icon?

Ben:  I asked her the same question. She said Forgiving What You Can’t Forget. I said, “Oh, she’s prophetic.”

The Phone Call Standoff

Ben:  I encouraged her to call me.

Philly:  I said, “No thanks, let’s let these app days run out so I don’t have to block your number later.” Boundaries.

The Shift

Philly:  But then… he felt like home. I messaged him, “Is it too soon to feel like I could delete this app?”

Ben:  I told her to check her iMessages. I had a proposal: talk to your friends, pray about it, and if you’re comfortable… I’d love to come to church with you.

First Date: Sunday Morning

Philly:  First date at church? Bet. He drove 3 hours to attend the 90-minute service with me. I introduced him to my friends. They prayed over the teachers that Sunday. His clap and sway rhythm was a bit off, but otherwise he fit right in.

Ben:  Her church family embraced me immediately. I felt welcomed, supported, and honestly… like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

And From There…

Philly:  The man with the books, the faith, the athleticism, and the good teeth? The man who talked to strangers and made people feel seen? Yeah. Sign me up.

Ben:  The woman who felt like home from day one, incredibly intelligent, and challenged me to grow? The woman who stood in the rain to cheer me on during my half marathon? Absolutely! <<deletes app>>.