Not every one-time meetup turns into a 17-year love story—but ours did. We met online (before apps were a thing) and felt an instant connection. Despite a 15-year age gap, we found something rare and real. In the early days, we’d bike 13 miles between Oakland and Berkeley just to see each other—totally worth it. What started with curiosity became Anam Cara—soul friendship. And we’ve been dynamically duo-ing it ever since.

Clean-up in aisle love. Of all our memories, early conflicts shine brightest in hindsight. Rupture and repair—that’s the real magic. Like when Ken mopped the floor and Tim, needing something upstairs, felt blocked—literally and emotionally. It sparked a weeklong wobble. But beneath the tension was care: two people learning to coexist with grace. That moment reminded us love isn’t always tidy—but it’s always worth it!

$20,000? We’d split it three ways! As a medical provider (Tim) and a social worker (Ken), retirement’s still a dream—so 1/3 goes there. Another 1/3 we’d joyfully donate to our local LGBTQ+ center and an eco-justice group. The final 1/3? A volunteer-cation! Ken would help at an ape sanctuary in Africa, and Tim would join a nearby medical mission. Nothing extravagant—just shared adventures that let us pay our love forward.