Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for Eric, age 34, and Maeve, age 28. They both attended a Find Love Safely Valentine's Day Speed Dating event, and they feel blessed to have found each other. In fact, their strong religious faith was a main source of attraction.
An Unexpected Greeting
The couple initially met before the event. “I saw her outside the building with her mom,” Eric explained. When they all got on the elevator, Eric said good afternoon. “I have not been told good afternoon by a stranger before, and I was a little overwhelmed,” said Maeve. That hesitation soon evaporated.
Instant Spark
When Eric moved to Maeve's table at the event, “He complimented me on my crucifix,” said Maeve. “I thought to myself, this is good … a guy with similar Christian beliefs.” From that point on, their conversation flowed. “After we talked with each other, we both knew we wanted to date each other,” said Eric.
Shared Values and Respect
“I told her I liked her crucifix and her cross of St. Brigid,” said Eric. “She told me she was Irish Catholic, and I told her I was Ukrainian Orthodox.” Maeve asked where he went to church. “I told her I was in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and she told me she had a lot of respect for the Orthodox church. And I told her I had a lot of respect for the Catholic church.”
Even though their visit was brief, “We held hands,” said Eric. “There was an immediate attraction. She told me I was the only one of the guys who gave her compliments.”
There was an immediate attraction. She told me I was the only one of the guys who gave her compliments.
Coffee and Conversation
Later that month, Eric and Maeve met for their first date at a Caribou Coffee. “We talked about religion, but we also talked about college, his degree, and that I never thought I would be dating,” said Maeve. “I got Maeve talking about her church activities,” said Eric. Once the conversation was flowing, Maeve's mom and Eric's aunt could see they were doing great on their own, so they moved to another table.
Getting to Know Each Other
Throughout March, Eric and Maeve texted and video chatted often, and went out to dinner at a restaurant for their second date. “On Friday, March 13, Maeve and I ordered takeout Enchiladas, and then she and I watched a movie and cuddled together for the first time at her house,” said Eric. “On Saturday, March 21, Maeve and I attended Vespers together at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, and on Sunday, March 28, I visited Maeve's church.”
Making it Official
Maeve's first visit to Eric's apartment was on Monday, April 6. “We cooked together for the first time,” said Eric. “We made pasta with shrimp, sauteed mushrooms and sauteed zucchini, and then we watched a movie and cuddled together for the second time. I asked Maeve to be my girlfriend, and she said yes,” Eric smiled. “Then she and I kissed for the first time on each hand, on each cheek, and on the lips.”
Learning and Growing Together
“What I really like about dating Eric is that since he lives on his own, it's really pushed me to want to be more independent,” said Maeve. “I like that we're able to see each other at least once or twice a week.” The couple have talked about other common interests, like learning about other cultures and traveling. “I'm teaching him some American Sign Language,” she added. “What I like about him is he's a good listener. He doesn't interrupt me.”
Bringing Color and Joy
Asked what he's learned about himself from dating Maeve, Eric said, “She makes me very happy. She's very loving, she's very beautiful, and she and I have a lot of interests in common with our church activities.” Eric said it's great to have a young woman in his life. “I started wearing more colorful clothes. Maeve likes to see me in more colors than just navy blue.” Asked what makes their relationship special, Eric said, “We love each other and we understand each other's disability.”
We love each other and we understand each other's disability.
A Heart Transformed
Maeve said dating Eric “has caused me to be a little less self-centered. Before I started dating, I was very anti-boy, anti-romance.” Eric has made her feel differently. “He's pretty open-minded, which is good. He's also a gentleman, and he treats me like a lady.” Kudos to Eric for complimenting Maeve's crucifix when they first met. It's what spurred a beautiful relationship.