One night my best friend told me about a new online dating site that had helped her meet her true love. She was practically glowing as she talked about how she found someone who just “got” her. I was happy for her but also a little skeptical. I’d been on a few other dating sites before and although I met some nice men none of them felt like “the one.” Still, something about her story sparked a bit of hope in me. So, I gave in, set up a profile, shared a few photos, and decided to give it one last shot.
A few days later I saw a message from Marco. His profile was different from any I’d seen before. There was something genuine in his smile, and his “About Me” section felt like it was written just for me. He talked about his love for history books and adventure novels—two things I’d always been passionate about. He mentioned his dream to visit the Philippines one day to learn more about the culture and history which tugged at my heart. I didn’t know why but I felt like I already knew him.
Marco’s first message to me was simple but sincere. “Hi, Liza! Your smile caught my eye, but it was your love of books that made me reach out. I’d love to know which books have captured your heart the most.” No small talk or empty compliments—just genuine curiosity. My heart raced a little as I read it. I replied immediately sharing my favorite novels and asking about his. The conversation just flowed like we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years.
Soon our chats turned into hours-long conversations that left me looking forward to each message. With every exchange, I felt my heart opening up more even though we’d only just met. It was surreal—I had known him for just a few days but it felt like I’d known him my whole life. Something inside me just knew there was something special about Marco something I couldn’t let slip away.
Over the next few weeks our connection grew even deeper. We began video calling and his warmth and kindness came through even more. We’d talk for hours about everything—our hopes, our dreams our families. He shared stories about his childhood and his love for small towns and new adventures. I told him about my little brother and the beautiful beaches I dreamed of showing him one day.
One evening as we were talking about our favorite places to watch the sunset he looked right into the camera and said, “Liza, I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel like I’m falling in love with you.” My heart skipped a beat since I felt the exact same way like we’d been brought together at exactly the right moment.
After months of talking every day Marco made the decision to fly to the Philippines to meet me. I felt a mix of nerves and emotions but deep down I knew this was meant to be. When we finally met at a small café by the airport it was like the world around us faded away. Marco was everything I’d imagined—kind, warm, and handsome.
During those days we spent together, I knew without a doubt that I had finally found the love of my life. My heart had known from the beginning and now he was standing right beside me as real as I’d dreamed.
Today Marco and I are making plans for our future. We talk about the places we want to explore, the family we want to build, and the life we want to create together. That leap of faith brought me the love I never thought I’d have—someone who fills my life with joy and makes every day a little brighter. And even though I’d started this journey with doubts my heart had known all along that he was the one I’d been searching for.
~Liza