speaker1
Welcome, everyone, to 'If I Could See You Through My Eyes,' the podcast where we dive into the funny, touching, and utterly relatable moments of our modern love story. I'm your host, and today, we're joined by the incredibly engaging and insightful Marina. So, Marina, where does our story begin?
speaker2
Oh, hi there! Thanks for having me. Our story begins on May 23rd, 2025, just a day after I returned from Peru. I had this carefree attitude about life, thinking I was already living my best life, and I didn't need anyone to complete it. But then, something unexpected happened. A rose.
speaker1
A rose? That's quite a unique opening. Can you tell us more about that moment? What made it so striking?
speaker2
It was like something out of a fairytale, really. I was scrolling through my dating app, and there it was—a rose. I mean, how often do you see that? I opened his profile, and I thought, 'Oh my God, this guy is ridiculously attractive.' But, of course, I didn't reply immediately. I was hesitant.
speaker1
I can totally understand that. There's something about someone being exactly your type that can be intimidating. What did your sister say about it?
speaker2
My sister, being the brutally honest one, told me, 'Marina, please. The problem is not that you don’t like him. The problem is that he is 100% your type and that intimidates you.' She was spot on. So, the next day, I decided to match with him. And the rest, as they say, is history.
speaker1
That's a fantastic start. Now, let's talk about the first conversation. How did it go? Was it as smooth as it seemed from the outside?
speaker2
It was surprisingly effortless. We started talking about hiking, travel, Brazil, and work. He had just returned from Brazil, and I was about to go there. It was like everything aligned perfectly. And there were no awkward silences. The conversation just flowed naturally.
speaker1
That's amazing. It sounds like you both had a lot in common. Did you notice anything else that stood out during those early conversations?
speaker2
Yes, he mentioned he worked at PepsiCo, and I had a brief identity crisis because I work at AB InBev globally. It felt like the world was getting smaller. But the real kicker was when he casually mentioned he had a wedding in Japan in July. Little did I know, months later, I would be attending that exact wedding with him.
speaker1
Wow, that's a small world moment for sure. Speaking of small worlds, how did his consistency in texting play a role in your relationship?
speaker2
It was huge. He was always checking in, staying present, and showing consistency. That was new for me. I had become incredibly selective with dating. My love language is quality time, and I was tired of wasting evenings on dates that went nowhere. But with him, the conversation was always natural and engaging.
speaker1
That consistency really builds trust and intimacy. Now, one of the memorable moments you mentioned was when he was driving to the beach for sunset cocktails. Can you share that story?
speaker2
Sure! He told me he was driving to the beach for sunset cocktails at his family house for Memorial Day weekend. I remember thinking, 'Okay, this man has officially become Sunday’s entertainment.' It was such a charming and casual moment that made me feel like I was right there with him.
speaker1
It sounds like a perfect moment. And the wedding in Japan—how did that come into play in your story?
speaker2
It was a bit of a surprise. I had no idea he was going to that wedding, and it turned out to be a significant event in our relationship. We attended it together, and it felt like a natural progression. It was a beautiful moment, surrounded by his family and friends.
speaker1
That's so heartwarming. Finally, can you share a bit about the travel coincidence and how it all tied together?
speaker2
Absolutely. The travel coincidence was when I was about to go to Brazil, and he had just returned from there. It was like the universe was nudging us together. These little coincidences made the connection feel even more special. It was the beginning of something truly special, even if I didn't realize it at the time.
speaker1
It's a beautiful story, Marina. Thank you for sharing it with us. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to the most beautiful beginnings. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Stay tuned for more episodes where we explore more of our journey together.
speaker1
Host
speaker2
Co-Host