We were friends. He always could count on me as a last-minute date, and we would dance. At his brother’s wedding, it was the last song and we hadn’t danced yet. I said, “Don’t just stand there—dance with me.” The minute we started to dance I knew what it was like to dance on air.

—Maureen

Postscript: Marriage, kids, more dancing.

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We went out for a walk and lay on the lawn looking through the branches of locust trees into the clear night sky. Neither of us wanted to say goodnight. Instead, we named the songs on the White Album. We sang off-key to our favorites, until the morning dew started to form on the grass, and he walked me home.

—Abbey

Postscript: Later he would tell me I was “really something.” I’d roll my eyes, smile, and say that song was off Abbey Road.

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One day we went to the store and ran into an old friend and her 2-year-old. While the mom and I were catching up, he was laughing it up with the kid, playing with the toys on the shelf, and helping her practice her flying. Seeing him so happy and at ease with the child made me realize how amazing and loving he is, and I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with him.

—Michael

Postscript: Unfortunately, it didn’t last.

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And after a lovely evening together I woke up in the morning to find her in front of me with a plate and a fork and a knife and an omelette. It was the first time I had ever gotten breakfast in bed. And after that moment I realized that I was in love.

—Joey

Postscript: Eight months and dandy!

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It was that eerily quiet time of night just before dawn. We were lying next to each other, just talking. I had no desire to go to bed.

—Dan

Postscript: I’ve since tried to maintain a better sleep schedule.

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I was hooked before he even spoke to me. He was in his Navy uniform.

—Supporting Our Troops

Postscript: Turns out the Navy is not conducive for a dating life.

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One afternoon we were lying together on his living room couch, napping side-by-side and completely at ease. In between consciousness and sleep, I prayed to God that this moment didn’t have to end; this was the happiest I had ever been in my life.

—Anonymous

Postscript: We broke up amicably three months later after we headed off to different colleges. Three years later, we’re still keeping in touch, and he’s still one of my favorite people.

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