Sometimes love takes time. You can be ready for a serious commitment, open yourself up to online dating, put all the necessary effort in, and still find yourself without the connection you crave. After a period of frustration such as this, it can become easy to give up. Julie and Darren didn’t, and after they both decided to give love another chance in the new year, they found each other.
I had joined a few dating sites, over the years. Dated off and on with no connection. I went off before the holidays then decided to try POF January 1st. On January 4th, Darren picked me and the rest is history. – Julie
Julie and Darren are a wonderful couple that shared their love story with us. They both decided to try online dating again in the new year, and after opening up his Plenty of Fish account on January 4th, Darren came across Julie’s profile and never looked back.
I was on POF for about two years. I was looking for a relationship, preferably a long term one. I took a break over the holidays and started looking again after the new year. Hers was the first one I saw. – Darren
Here at POF, we love a good online love story. Julie and Darren graciously agreed to answer the rest of our burning questions and offer some advice to those who may have yet to find success with online dating.
A Match Made in Heaven
What caught your eye about the others profile?
Julie: His profile picture. He was cute and had a sweetness in his smile. I remember his profile was a bit different from others and I connected with it.
Darren: Her picture caught my eye first (it’s currently the picture on my phone every time she calls me), and then her profile. It was honest and inviting.
Who messaged who first and what did the message say?
Julie: Darren messaged me first. I can’t remember what he said but he said enough to intrigue me and want to write back. We spoke over the phone for a week or so. I just remember him talking about his likes and dislikes and I kept saying to myself “that’s how I think!”
Darren: I sent her a message first. I always read the whole profile and look for commonality as well as things I wouldn’t like. Hers was well done and showed nothing negative. I think my note said something like “I read your profile and think we have a lot in common and would like to meet you and maybe get to know you”
And get to know each other they did!
Football and First Dates
Tell me about your first date, and how soon after the first date did you plan a second?
Julie: Our first “real” date was at a local sports bar where we watched the Seahawks game. It was only a few days after that we planned our second date. I knew when I first met Darren that we’d be forever friends at least, and partners for life, at most. We are now both. He was easy to talk to, funny as all get out, and we philosophically matched.
Darren: The Seahawks won the game on our first date, and we decided to meet for our second date for the following weekend to watch the next Seahawks game (it was the playoffs, and they went on to win the Superbowl). We texted and called during the weeks in between those dates and got to know each other. I felt so comfortable with her and I could tell she felt the same way.
Talk about love at first sight!
Wedding Bells!
When was your wedding day? Can you describe the feeling on that day?
Julie: We were married August 5th, 2017. The day was perfect. I was not nervous at all, I was ready to marry my best friend. Many of our guests said that it was one of the best weddings that they had ever been to.
Darren: We got married August 5th, 2017. I was very comfortable and ready to make this happen. It was the first time my whole family had been together in many years, and I was happy to have them meet Julie. I was so happy and knew they would love her as much as I do.
Love Conquers All
What do you love most about one another?
Julie: Darren is sweet, easy-going, and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He holds no grudges and is affectionate and dependable. He is so darn cute and easy to love.
Darren: I have never felt so comfortable with another person, nor have I ever felt this much love. I didn’t know I was capable of giving this much love. Julie is honest, intelligent, caring, giving and is always there for me. The thing I love most is that she is honest and has no problem expressing herself. I love her dearly and I am so blessed to get to spend every day with her.
Cue the tears!
Be Yourself and the Rest Will Follow
If you could give any single person looking for their partner online some dating advice, what would it be?
Julie: Be genuine with your photo and profile. The real you will come out at some point. Open your heart but be cautious too. Watch for ‘red flags.’ I remember that one guy, before Darren, didn’t even offer to stand when we met or offer to buy a $5 coffee. Darren opened the door for me and offered to buy breakfast. I paid the tip and then a few dates later paid for dinner. It’s not about the actual “paying” that matters, it shows a genuineness of character.
Darren: Be honest. Don’t alter yourself to try and fit in with what somebody else wants or thinks. Sure, that profile pic is beautiful and you really want to meet that person, but if the words in the profile don’t match, you’re not a match. Don’t be in a hurry to find what you’re looking for, just be honest with yourself and what it is your actually looking for.
Here’s to you, Julie and Darren! We are so happy you found each other.
