HIS VERSION
I first saw Paola in the dormitory hallway. Since I was not wearing an eyepatch while also winking, I noticed her beauty. As she moved her stuff in for the semester, I asked if I could help carry her things and she ignored me. Thankfully after a decade together she now only ignores me half the time, which people who know me will attest is reasonable. I remember being surprised that she always seemed to perfectly understand everyone else's motivations and also believing that she would never encounter a situation where she would not know how to respond. As we have grown up together, she has often impressed me with her poise, her bravery, and her willingness to take risks and face the consequences. Many times I have been proud that she has helped other women find this courage.
HER VERSION
I first saw Tyler at a party next door to my dorm room. We lived on the same floor in school. That night, I couldn't take a hint. My neighbor wanted to go to bed and gave Tyler the task of nicely helping me leave his room. We talked for a while, and I immediately noticed how interesting he was. The other students on our floor thought he was some kind of spy. That same week, I walk past his room and noticed how gray it was. So I offered to help him make it more colorful. We attended a poster fair at the University Center, and started hanging out non-stop after that. Our first purchase together was a poster of a glamorous lady standing in a Champagne glass for Tattinger. We hung it above his bed, and I admired that photograph for days to come. Tyler helped me grow into the woman I am today. I wasn't always able to express myself the way I wanted to, and with his love and support, I believe I can do anything I put my mind into. I'm excited to start a world and family with one of the smartest and craziest humans I've ever encountered.