My version of our Dating story (Levi's Perspective)

Ellen wants me to write some mushy version of our story, but I don't work that way . So, I will present our story and most commonly asked questions in Q&A format.

Q1) How did you meet?

A1) On an online dating service called "Zoosk"

Q2) Why were you using an online dating service?

A2) Because talking to people in person involves talking to people in person and at the time, I preferred the no stress, no obligation, no commitment, and limited need verbal communication structure that online dating offered.

Q3) How did you communicate with Ellen when you first meet in person?

A3) I didn't know a single sign when we first met, so I was very worried about communicating well with her. I made sure to have eye contact with her when I spoke and spoke clearly. We went for a walk in the park and I immediately asked her to teach me the numbers (1-10) and then the ABCs. I think she was surprised at my desire to learn ASL. I then took an ASL class at SLCC and kept learning from her and her friends.

Q4) How long have you been dating?

A4) We started dating April 18th 2010, although it started slow. It took several weeks to kiss and several months to become an official Face Book couple (We all know it's not really official unless Face Book says so).

Q5) Why are you so hairy?

A5) I may or may not be the product of a love affair with Sasquatch.

Q6) Does she get along with your family?

A6) Yes. My family all adore her and think she is an amazing woman (so do I). I know she gets along with my mom really well and has talked to her without me knowing or being there too. She was probably trying to dig up some dirt on me... I am happy that they get along.

Q7) Does her being deaf bother you?

A7) If it did, I wouldn't be with her. It was a big change to learn a new culture and way of communicating, but the only thing that is really different in our relationship as opposed to my past ones, is she can turn off her hearing aid if she doesn't like my music. A blessing in disguise.

Q8) What was your favorite moment with Ellen?

A8) Probably the time we were cuddled under a blanket and I let loose a nasty fart (Ellen prefers "Honk"). All she said was, "Phew! That was a good one!" I knew at that time that she was the woman for me!

Q9) Why do you think you are the guy for her?

A9) I could list off a bunch of reasons like: I am willing to learn ASL, I make her laugh, I am willing to meet her half way, I am willing to talk things out with her, I am willing to be wrong sometimes, and we have similar goals, but I won't. I will just sum it up and say, it feels right.

Q10) When did you know it was right to marry her?

A10) Probably during the Blanket/Honk moment. I really can't pinpoint an exact moment. It was a gradual process that had many ups and downs, but after we came back from Thanksgiving with my family, I knew we could make it together.