Did we cross paths freshmen-sophomore year? Probably, as our friend circles overlapped frequently. In the Fall of our junior year, my high school friend and fellow Tiger, Robbie, introduced me to Michael on a lawn of Faculty Court. Some friends named their apartment Friendship Manor, where their door was always unlocked. As my best friend describes it, I was aloof that night and Michael showed immediate interest.
It wasn鈥檛 long before we were walking to Ruby鈥檚 together and kissing on the bridge by Station. I was captivated by Michael鈥檚 blue eyes, but it wasn鈥檛 until my BFF gave me a push and said, 鈥渋f you鈥檙e not gonna date him, then I鈥檓 gonna date him.鈥� I realized how special Michael was and how perfectly we matched.
After graduating, Michael moved back home to Detroit and I stayed in Ohio. We individually pursued our goals while patiently (or for me鈥� not so patiently) waiting for the right moment. Michael stepped down on one knee in Mallorca, Spain, in 2019 and we were married in Dayton, Ohio on August 15, 2020. I moved to Detroit and we picked a house with a guest room to be sure all friends and family could visit & feel at home. Our door isn鈥檛 always unlocked, but we keep the tradition of Friendship Manor alive.
Michael '15 & Olivia Flory Burgher '15