How Gerard and I Found Each Other Through Great Expectations

I never dated much at all since I was perfectly happy with my single life and didn't really know anyone I had any romantic interest in. Besides, it wasn't like anyone was asking me out. I was very involved in church activities--AWANA club, teaching Jr./Sr. High Sunday School, bowling in two leagues, and work. Gerard never dated much at all either. His life consisted of work, reading, watching sports on TV and gardening. We both got to the point where we realized we didn't want to grow old alone so decided to look for a love interest.

We both decided to take action and signed up at Great Expectations. It cost plenty, around $1,000, but they assured me that the cost helped keep out those who aren't really serious about finding a suitable mate. Another thing they said was that you'd spend more than that on a car which lasts only a few years. Isn't finding a husband worth as much?

So, my man hunt began and his quest for a good woman. I wrote up my profile and did the taped interview which I thought turned out very bad. I wasn't very pleased with it to say the least, but I was determined to be myself so guys would not be misled. I was very nervous doing it and my eyes kept looking away from the camera. Since I was looking for a real relationship with someone compatible, it was very important that I give honest, candid answers. I wanted someone who I would be comfortable with and who I could be myself with.

Gerard found me first in the profile books in November. He was in his second year there. When I got the call that someone wanted to meet me, I went up to check them out. When I first saw Gerard's video, I thought, nah, I don't think so but then I caught myself and realized I was judging on looks. I thought how shallow of me, and after all, I'm no great looker either. I stuck to my basic strategy of accepting to meet anyone expressing an interest in me first (after all, the guys I was choosing certainly weren't working out). Boy, am I glad I gave Gerard a chance! As it turned out, he's the one for me and I for him!

It took a lot of courage but I believe God was bringing us both together through this. My advice for anyone going through any matchmaking route or dating service is to be honest and open. What you see is what you get should be your attitude and hopefully, the other person will be honest with you as well. That's really the kicker, isn't it?