We met in graduate school at USF during the Fall 2023 semester. We were both teaching assistants (TA) for Biology 1 Lab, at the time. We sat next to each other in TA meetings and became fast friends.

I realized about a few weeks after we started dating. My roommates and I hosted a Halloween at our small apartment in Tampa, FL. Parties and crowds normally make me nervous, but I felt so safe and calm with him by my side. Aidan and I laughed endlessly that night. With that, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life loving him.

There was a time a little before we started dating where all I wanted to do was talk to her, and her laugh just rooted itself into my heart. It took me a month or two after we started dating to realize that the love I felt for her was more than platonic or romantic, but unconditional love.

Erika: That would be our fourth date. We went shopping and had dinner in Disney Springs. Just outside the LEGO Store, Aidan asked if he could hold my hand. Later that night, we debated what the most comfortable way to hold hands was. I voted for interlaced fingers, while he firmly defended cupping hands. It was perfect. Aidan: We got to go to a wedding together after getting engaged, and the opportunity to be together without any agenda or stress was amazing. Getting to see her relaxed and comfy was so nice, and we laughed and traveled and fell more in love. And she was absolutely breathtaking when she got all dressed up.

Erika: Honestly, we love to do everything together. From fun things like playing video games and board games with friends to the mundane like grocery shopping and cleaning. Every activity is truly a joy if we get to be together. Aidan: At the end of the day, we sit together and watch fail compilations on Instagram. We laugh so hard we can't breathe, and the stress of life melts away.

Erika: Yummy onigiri and wedding cake!!!! Aidan: Seeing all the photos from the disposable cameras!

Erika: Never stop laughing together. Laugh loud enough to fill a room and turn heads. Laugh soft enough to share quiet moments together. Laugh often enough that it becomes the soundtrack of your life together. Aidan: Be earnest, always. Performances don't last, and you will be brought low by life; but your earnest, joyful expression of love will last through everything,