Sam and Elaina met each other at different times. Sam’s first encounter was at University of Delaware’s bookstore, where Elaina worked. He was a Freshman on a mission to pick up that Econ textbook he still hadn’t purchased two weeks into the semester, when he spotted a beautiful employee organizing books. “Look at her,” he said to Joey, former roommate and current groomsman. “She’s stunning.” “Go talk to her then,” Joey said. Sam stared at her for a few seconds longer. “Maybe later.” With a roll of the eyes, Joey strutted towards her and began talking with her. Filled with jealousy and admiration for his friend’s apparent relation to James Bond, Sam made himself scarce in the aisles of books until Joey returned. “What was that?” Sam asked. “Oh nothing” Joey said, with the twinkle of a practical joker in his eyes. “How’d it go?” Sam said, hoping it went horribly. "So good." There was a brief pause. Sam looked at the floor. He could feel his face heating up. "I'm messing with you man," Joey said finally, patting him on the shoulder. "She's my peer mentor for class." They laughed, and Sam, satisfied that an introduction was possible in the future, relieved himself of the discomfort of approaching her that day. “One day,” he thought, tucking her sunny smile into the back of his mind. Little did Sam know that luck would strike, and that several months later this very same woman would tap him on the shoulder — just as energetically and confidently as she had organized those books — and almost 10 years later become his wife. Elaina, still unaware of Sam’s existence, met him at a pregame at the end of that same semester. She was there with a friend who regularly attended parties hosted by Sam’s fraternity. Within minutes of entering the apartment, she spotted a man at the stove, hovering over a big pot of boiling water, stirring it with a wooden spoon. Elaina was hungry, and went to see what he was cooking. She tapped him on the shoulder. “Hi, I'm Elaina," she said, expecting her charming smile to lead to an offering of ramen. Sam turned and thought, "It's her!" They flirted a bit. And at the end of their conversation it was no trouble for Elaina to secure a promise for a bowl of that college caviar, and for Sam to secure her number. Unfortunately, Elaina did not receive the ramen. She left before it was done. But what she received instead was more than enough to make it okay. Later that night, they met at the party. Sam found her in the dank, dark basement of Center Street, amidst flying elbows and splashing red solo cups. She was dancing her heart out. He asked her if she’d like to go outside with him to chat, which was unfeasible down there, with music blasting from speakers. She agreed. (Knowing now how much she loves to dance, Sam takes this as the greatest compliment he’s ever received.) Elaina followed Sam to the backyard, where they plopped down on chairs and talked the night away, interrupted only by the occasional drifter wandering around to explore the full range of the party. They also played a game of beer pong (which Elaina and Sam both say they won). Despite this disagreement, there is one aspect of those four magical hours that they agree on without debate. They’ll both tell you that, when speaking to the other, it felt as though they were talking to an old friend, someone they could be totally honest with, totally themselves — someone who seemed to understand them like no one else could. The night ended with a hug, and the next morning began with a text. They went on texting that summer, face-timing as well, and met up the first day of the following school year. That day, in the front yard, they shared their first kiss. Moral of the Story: If an old friend drags you to a party you don't want to go to, GO. You may just meet the love of your life. What Not to Imitate: Sam's inability to approach Elaina in the bookstore. They could've started their romance months earlier!