Relive our first in-person meeting: airport nerves, laughter over Filipino breakfast, and a magical Manila day that sparked something real.
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I still get a warm glow thinking back to our first in-person meeting. A couple of years ago, at a lively family gathering, I watched everyone sharing laughs and stories, and it hit me hard—I was ready for my own version of that closeness. A partner to dream with, maybe build a family someday. I’d spent too long putting everyone else ahead, leaving my own life in neutral. Work drained me, and local dating options? Pretty much nonexistent.
That quiet nudge led me to put myself out there. I felt excited, a bit scared, and hopeful all mixed together. What if nothing came of it? What if everything did? Turns out, it led straight to our first in-person meeting—a day of easy sparks, zero pretense, and pure joy. If you’re waiting for that moment or just love a good real-life romance, this one’s for you.
Getting Ready Before Our First In-Person Meeting
Before anything could happen, I focused inward. Years of always saying yes had worn me down, so I started real self-care: setting boundaries, picking up hobbies I loved, moving my body, and getting clear on what I wanted—kindness, laughter, shared values, someone who felt like a safe adventure.
Feeling solid in myself changed everything. I could show up authentically, not desperately. My profile even had a playful touch: “Overthinker seeking a co-adventurer for coffee, deep talks, and spontaneous kitchen dances.”
Stepping Out and Making Connections
A friend’s beautiful story—she met her husband through a dating app, got married, and now has the sweetest baby—inspired me to try. I researched tips, picked good platforms, and built a genuine profile: real photos, true interests like books, walks in nature, and exploring Filipino flavors. Bio line: “🎧 K-pop & K-drama 📚 Lost in Chinese novels|Bookworm 🍚 Garlic rice is my love language.”
Thoughtful filters helped (similar stage of life, shared interests), and I looked for green flags: steady effort, respect, good energy. Red flags? Instant no: negativity, pressure, rushing to meet. Quality over quantity every time.
One book that really helped shape my mindset was Data, A Love Story: How I Cracked the Online Dating Code to Meet My Match by Amy Webb (available on Amazon). Her clever, funny, data-smart way of approaching profiles and conversations turned it into an empowering process rather than a chore. It gave me tools to stay true while being strategic—definitely worth a read if you’re navigating this world.
Building Something Meaningful Before Our First In-Person Meeting
That’s how Mike and I clicked. Messages evolved into long video calls packed with effortless banter, shared dreams, and that rare “we just get each other” vibe. We talked culture, books, future hopes—hours flew by. Distance kept us apart for months, but it created deep trust and real excitement.
Doubts popped up, of course. Would the connection hold face-to-face? I’d joke about his travel adventures while quietly stressing over outfits. Those virtual months showed me the power of emotional closeness first.
The Arrival: Butterflies and Instant Comfort at Our First In-Person Meeting
The day arrived—Mike landed at NAIA Terminal 1 in Manila. My stomach flipped as I waited in the bustling arrivals area. Our first in-person meeting was finally here. I fixed my hair (endlessly), breathed deep, and watched the doors.
When he stepped out, suitcase rolling, our eyes locked. No awkward pause—just a big, natural hug. It felt like continuing our calls in real time, only with the thrill of touch and proximity. We laughed at how smoothly it went—no stumbles, no weirdness.
Breakfast Bliss During Our First In-Person Meeting
We went straight to breakfast at Savoy Hotel near the airport—smart choice after his flight. The buffet overflowed with Filipino classics: sinangag (garlic fried rice), tinapa (smoked fish), eggs, fresh mango, and strong coffee. We loaded plates, shared bites, and chatted nonstop.
No fancy show—just delicious food and comfortable flow. At 34, finding someone whose energy synced so perfectly felt like a gift. I teased him lightly about trying balut someday (he smiled: “One day… maybe”).
A Perfect Day Exploring Manila After Our First In-Person Meeting
Energized, we visited the Shrine of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Pasay City, near NAIA Terminal 3. The serene space, stunning stained-glass windows telling St. Thérèse’s story, and peaceful altar gave us a quiet, grateful moment together.
Informative trivia about the place we visited: The Shrine of St. Thérèse is a diocesan shrine managed by the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines. Consecrated in 2007 in its current form, it seats about 2,000 and features beautiful architecture. It’s a significant Asian pilgrimage site honoring St. Thérèse of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”), celebrated for her simple path to holiness.
Then Newport Mall for casual shopping and bowling (I captured his strikes on video—future leverage). Lunch at Resorts World Manila meant more laughs, people-watching, and soaking up the city’s lively pulse. Mike loved the architecture and vibe; I loved how natural every minute felt.
Looking Back on the Path to Our First In-Person Meeting
The journey to our first in-person meeting included rejections, self-doubt, and days I almost quit. Each taught me resilience and what truly matters: being real, patient, and value-aligned.
Now the saying rings true: “Every pot has its lid.” Mike’s warmth, steadiness, and open heart (plus his willingness to dive into Filipino food) healed old spots gently.
Thankful for the Whole Journey to Our First In-Person Meeting
From that family spark, through personal growth, virtual buildup, and that unforgettable Manila day—I’m grateful for every single part. Real connection can bridge any gap when it’s honest.
Keep Going—Your Moment Is Coming
If you’re in the waiting, doubting, or wondering-if-it’ll-ever-happen phase right now, hear this: you are absolutely worth the wait. The right connection doesn’t always show up on our schedule—but it often arrives exactly when we’ve grown enough to receive it fully.
Keep showing up as your real self. Protect your peace, celebrate the small wins (a great conversation totally counts), and trust that the story you’re writing is beautiful—even on the tough pages. The day you step into your own version of our first in-person meeting will feel like coming home, and it’ll be worth every step.
What’s your story? Have you had a memorable first-meeting moment, or are you building courage for yours right now? Drop it in the comments below—I read every one and love connecting over these experiences.
If this post brought you a little hope or a smile, save it for when you need a reminder, share it with a friend who’s hoping for their own spark, or pin it somewhere you’ll see it. Your beautiful beginning is closer than it might feel today.
Here’s one of my favorite songs that I dedicate to him.
Author’s Note
Today, I felt truly happy and lucky to be with Mike. It was more than just a first date—it felt like a dream coming true. It was a moment of joy, a celebration of finally finding someone who fits me like a missing puzzle piece.
Sharing my world with him—from the delicious flavors of Filipino food to the heart of my culture—felt like giving him something truly special. And he welcomed it all with open arms.
For years, I looked up at the stars and wondered if there was someone out there for me. Today, I know the answer is yes. As the Yiddish proverb says, “Every pot finds its own lid.”
Getting here wasn’t easy. Our online relationship had its challenges. We faced distance, doubts, and delays. But all of it was worth it.
Mike is everything I ever hoped for in a partner—and more. He reflects the love I give and returns it with his own quiet strength, kindness, and care.
His actions speak louder than words. With him, I feel safe, seen, and truly loved. He’s helping heal parts of me I thought would stay broken forever.
I’m deeply thankful for this amazing man and for the path that led us to each other. It feels like the universe finally said, “It’s time.”❤
