What was your first impression of each other?
Case: The very first time I saw Bryan was at a Mardi Gras party and we didn’t actually speak. He was wearing bright green pants and I was unsure what this boy was going to be like. The first time we actually spoke to each other was at my date party and there was a theme so we were dressed in togas. Bryan was leading the charge on taking shots so my first impression was that he liked to drink.
Bryan: I thought she was slightly silly for picking me out as a potential date party date, especially given that we had not met or spoken before. But hey — I’ve always been a little lucky and I guess there was something I was doing that got her attention. And then I knew it was going to be a great first face-to-face when we started texting about wearing togas, followed by me going into IKEA and buying the SKOLJARD set (I totally made up that name but it sounds believable, right?).
What’s your favorite thing about each other?
C: My favorite thing about Bryan is how considerate he is. He’s always thinking about my needs and prioritizing my preferences through his actions. It’s very sweet and my love language is acts of service so I love it!
B: I love how sweet she is. She is sweet and kind to everyone, everything, all the time regardless of the circumstances. She tears up when there’s something cute in a show we’re watching or even from an Instagram reel. It’s really cute.
How long have you two been together for?
C: We saw each other casually in college, spring of 2017. And then rekindled for real summer of 2022. So we’ve been together officially for 1.5 years.
B: We have been together for a little over a year and a half. We first met almost 7 years ago (oh boy) and she’s been in my head and heart ever since.
What’s your number one tip for resolving conflict?
C: Communicate! And trust that your partner is not coming from a malicious place. Give them a chance to explain their feelings. Apologizing also goes a long way.
B: Listen. Speaking your mind is important, but it does no good if you are not listening to the response (or if you think the other person isn’t listening to you). Some of the most important things can be said with the fewest words if both parties are listening to the meaning behind them.
What’s most important to you in a relationship?
C: Trust. This is probably a very common answer but it’s so important because this is what allows you to feel safe and secure in a relationship. You have to trust your partner to communicate, to be loyal, to love you when you’re not your best.
B: Understanding. Kinda ties into my last point about listening, but also considers all of the non-verbal parts of a relationship. There’s a lot that is not said that needs to be understood. Intentions are important. Understanding your partner’s actions, words, emotions, and everything in between can mean so much, even if you do not know how to act in response.
What are your thoughts on couples therapy? If you’ve attended therapy, what have you learned?
C: I think couples therapy can be extremely beneficial to any relationship. Communication has been a big theme here and therapy can facilitate those conversations.
B: I think couples therapy — like all therapy — has extreme upsides. I do not think it should be thought of as a “crutch”; rather, therapy is like a class teaching you how to take steps to better understand yourself and/or your partner.
Describe how you met in emojis:
👋👀💚
What’s your rose/bud/thorn?
C:
- Rose: Being loving towards one another.
- Bud: Setting goals together.
- Thorn: Working out together.
B:
- Rose: Cute cuddly time together.
- Bud: Holding each other accountable on our goals.
- Thorn: Health/fitness (perhaps we don’t need dessert every night, but life should be enjoyed).