Shira: I decided to join the online dating site OkCupid in June 2017. I had been deeply involved in Mad Pride and disability justice activism for several years, and I did not want to hide this part of my identity during the dating process or compartmentalize it from my romantic life. Hoping to meet someone […]
First Date
Andy: Our first date was… interesting. I had read some article about how you should do “Active” first dates because the whole “let’s get coffee” fad had run its course. I recommended go-karts, which in hindsight could have been the moment it all fell apart (Shira hates driving, not that I could have known that […]
The Early Days
Shira: Despite my initial feelings that there was too much “small talk,” I quickly discovered that Andy is a deep, thoughtful, sensitive person. After our second date, Andy suggested that we make playlists of songs describing key moments in our lives. This gave me an opportunity to learn about some of the people and events […]
When We Knew
Shira: After we had been together for a year, we moved across the country for me to pursue my PhD at the University of South Florida. Not even a semester into the PhD program, I discovered that a research career was not for me and decided to transfer to a Master’s level graduate program. Leaving […]
The Proposal
Andy: About a month before the proposal, I came to the realization that I couldn’t see any future worth having for myself that didn’t include Shira. I had come to trust her as I trusted a part of my own brain. I had come to love her as I loved the best parts of myself. […]
Dreams of the Future
Shira: I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with Andy! I have found in Andy a true life partner and best friend, someone who I can share my deepest fears and biggest dreams with. While I usually consider myself a fairly pessimistic person, Andy has brought out in me a sense […]