Our story began at the end of 2019 in an unconventional place – a psychiatric hospital where we had both been admitted due to each of our own struggles. In such a place, it’s common to gravitate to other patients of similar age and interests because a ton of time is spent with nothing to do. We found each other in such a group quickly, and soon began spending all our time together – writing poems, playing games, talking about music, and engaging with our innermost thoughts. Funnily enough, we now describe this as having “speed ran” through a friendship and into what would become a relationship. Nate left the unit after a few days, but Alexandra stayed through Christmas. With nobody to spend the holiday with, Nate came back to the unit and spent the holiday with her.

Our relationship officially began in January of 2020, just before the pandemic kicked into full swing. Hardly knowing each other, our first major activity together was a road trip to see family and friends. On the road, we had long philosophical conversations about our dreams and struggles, completed multiple “two hundred questions” lists, and ultimately learned a lot about each other. By the time we returned home, it was official that our relationship had begun.

In the coming months, as the pandemic took root and our cities locked down, we grew closer and learned more about each other. After about six months together, we moved in together to save money. We supported each other through some of our lowest points, and in many ways helped each other heal from the emotional damage of our respective conditions. Initially, we ordered far too much take-out but eventually we started cooking more often and we both started taking our health more seriously. In time, our mental health struggles began to fade as we healed, and each gained a better ability to talk about our feelings. We each attribute our healing in part to the support we gave each other. When Alexandra was struggling with anxiety and night-terrors, Nate was there. When Nate was struggling with depression, Alexandra was there. Some would have been scared off, but we both saw something in each other – the need to be loved unconditionally.

In 2021, we adopted two tabby cats – Mischief and Phoenix. While Nate was hesitant at first, he quickly nestled into a role of loving caretaker to our wonderful feline fur-babies. Soon after, in 2022, we moved to Nashua in search of an apartment closer to nature. We quickly fell in love with the area – from the clean air to the quiet neighborhood, the nearby hiking trails, and the high-quality ski resorts nearby, we nested into our first true home together.

In 2023, we went on a variety of vacations. We enjoyed sun poisoning together, visited the White Mountains, and went to a festival. Most impactfully, however, we visited Franconia Notch State Park to see the waterfall. It was there, in front of the waterfall, that Nate proposed to Alexandra, and she said “yes”.

Now, five years in the making, we’re ready to move into the next chapter of our life together – a commitment before our friends and family to protect and support each other until, and even after, death do us part.