Six years ago or so, I was asked by an employee if I was “open to being set up” with someone. At the time, I was not. The question continued to come over the next few months and eventually, whether from a desire to no longer have to answer or because I had changed my mind, I said yes. Info was exchanged and even still, I delayed calling. Finally, after five or six weeks, I reached out to Ani.

The thing is, I had some rules. No texting (just calls). No talking about exes or kids (I just wanted to get to know “her,” not her “stuff”). We chatted and learned about one another. She learned I’m obsessed with bikes and I learned she is a mermaid. I teased her incessantly and she told me I was too serious (true!). After some time following these rules, we decided to meet at a park.

Having yet another rule about first dates (no dinner, no alcohol, no big spending), we met on a warm spring evening and slacklined between two trees. At the time, I carried one in my truck and it seemed fun enough. When arriving, she tore into the parking lot in her Subaru, showing up in running shorts and an oversized shirt; I was in my “business casual” attire. We laughed a joked and after she told me about some former relationship issues she was angry about, I questioned in my best therapist tone, “how long are you going to choose to be angry about that?” to which she did not reply.

After some snacks at the local grocery store, she departed to pick up her son and I figured that given my brazen question, it would be the last I’d see of her. It wasn’t.

Two years later, we asked the gals who introduced us why they thought we would be a good match. Though they had lived across from one another’s condos for a while, been social, etc., they didn’t really know one another that well (though they did know me much better), I was curious about their motivations. The answer that came back was quite surprising to me: “Because you both wear big watches,” one of the two said.

As simple and silly as that sounds, the observation was really spot on. Our “big watches” signified a number of shared athletic interests as well as a love for being underwater. Today, we are happily married and continue to enjoy “big watch” activities. Though the watches have changed, they’re still a funny focal point for me in our relationship; one I see unlikely to change for a long, long time.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Ani. You’re the best best friend, adventure buddy, step-mom, and life-partner a fella could want.