I'll start off by saying that this might sound a little premature, because we (both 26 y/o) only started talking a month ago, met 3 weeks ago in person, and got into a relationship early last week lol.

But guys, I am just so excited and happy with this guy and I want to share it with the world - especially with /r/r4r as I know many of us want a relationship (or even a friend) and struggle to find anything substantial here. But it worked for me, especially when I least expected it and wasn't really searching for it at the time. Also because I hang around this subreddit off and on. Half of me will be slightly embarrassed and nervous if my boyfriend finds this and reads it but the other half honestly doesn't care because I want to share it. In case he reads this, how's this for PDA? (He dislikes PDA.)

The whole thing came as a surprise, honestly, but I think timing had to do with a lot of it. I live in Vancouver, BC, and he's in Seattle, WA. He can't leave the country at the moment, so so far I've been driving down every weekend to see him (super excited to see him again this weekend). I think it helps that I absolutely love Seattle. It's such a charming city. A big reason to why we met was because I had a conference in Seattle to attend in late February and I was looking for someone to befriend and meet up with for dinner possibly... but I was so intrigued by him (and I had also just ended another relationship (that was also through /r/r4r) so what the hell) that I decided to see him a week earlier and we ended up meeting on the night of Valentine's Day. It was supposed to be purely platonic. I also had a four-day weekend so the plan was to stay with him for the whole weekend unless either of us didn't feel comfortable or wanted to part early.

When we met, it was pretty awkward to start (I think he disagrees) despite having voice chatted as frequently as we did, but over the weekend we got to know each other more, ate some really great food, and got pretty comfortable. By the end of the weekend, it hit me that I was totally smitten by the guy. Unfortunately, he was not interested in pursuing a LDR.

I went home. A few days passed by, and eventually I decided to make a last-ditch attempt and brought up being in a relationship, addressed most, if not all, his concerns about an LDR, that I'd be willing to come see him, and that I'd want to at least try. He said he'd think about it and that we could talk about it the following Monday since I'd be back in Seattle for my conference. And, spoiler alert, we ended up getting into a relationship shortly after that conversation and now I am the happiest girl in the world. Mostly. I mean there are some other aspects of my personal life that I'm not so crazy about, but between him and I, the relationship is so great.

I've only seen him four times now in the span of three weeks (crazy, right?), but the time we've spent with each other makes it feel like months. We haven't even really done anything crazy nor extravagant (although he did take me to the aquarium the first time we met, which is one of my favourite things in the world, and he had said, and I quote, "I know you love that shit.") And I think of all the little special moments we've shared, like something stupid (or sweet) he said, the way he looks at me, how we hold hands or how he lets me hug his arm when we sleep, or our inside jokes, and I can't help but smile to myself until my face hurts. He's funny, sweet, honest, caring, a great listener, understanding, and ugh, so much more that I can't even put into words. It's so weird to feel so much...feelings about someone so soon and it's probably why I feel the need to express it here.

Anyway, this has gotten incredibly long, and I'm not really trying to rub it in for the people that may not have had success with this sub, but I just wanted to share. And like I said, it might be premature, but this has also made me realize that I think we think we know what we want, and that we have these lists in our heads about the kinds of things/traits/appearance we want in someone, but we don't really until it hits us. Try to be a little more open minded and flexible... unless you are looking for a hook up, then just be a little more physically flexible. 8D

For those who are looking - don't give up! It might come to you when you least expect it. And if it's just not working, try something new and you might get different results. And timing. Timing can easily play a factor in your relationships.

On another note (non-related to my relationship but might be relevant anyhow), seriously, go do something you enjoy. Take advantage of your free time and 'loneliness' and build yourself up with interests and experiences. Read a book, travel, try a new restaurant (sounds cliché, I know), but when someone finally comes along, you'll have more to share and relate to.

That is all. Thank you for reading all this sappy mumbo jumbo and sharing my happiness with me. Good luck!