That Magic Moment
Colleen Quinn
You know the feeling: Your pulse races, your face flushes and a wonderful warm glow envelops your entire body. The rush of mutual attraction - it’s a powerful drug. But how do you know if it’s a fling or forever? At what pivotal moment do you know this is it - you’ll spend the rest of your life with this person? We asked 12 men to describe that “Magic Moment” below:
Wil, 32, married four years
My sister was getting married and arranged hotel rooms for the family, as well as my girlfriend of nine months, Kristine. What I learned the night of the rehearsal dinner was that Kristine would share a room with my grandmother. That meant that she would spend the entire weekend with my mom, dad, four sisters and extended family. Her only area of retreat — her hotel room — would be shared with my grandmother, whom she had never met. This was “Meet The Parents” squared! Kristine wowed my entire family with incredible style, grace and diplomacy – and she even shared Kahluas from the mini-bar with my grandmother. I knew that weekend that the next wedding in my family was going to be mine.
Ben, 29, married three years
Monica and I met in college at a party and talked into the early morning hours. I did not think much of it – or so I thought. The next day, a bomb scare evacuated the university and I ended up with several fraternity brothers at the movies to see “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” As I nestled into my seat Monica walked by with her friends, said hello and brushed my cheek with her hand. My heart immediately dropped into my toes. I knew she was the one.
Kevin, 30, newlywed
Our second date was spent at dinner and then to the track to watch the horses. We were enjoying each other’s company so much that I didn’t care that it was rainy and cold. What clinched the night – and the relationship — was back at her apartment for wine, candles, and Nicole’s favorite Barry Manilow CD. With a little buzz on, Nicole proceeded to give me a one hour long demonstration on the differences between the live and the studio version of each Barry Manilow song! She was singing (out of tune, I might add), dancing, and letting her guard down. She showed me straight out who she really was. That night I realized I had found somebody special.
Kelly, 34, married four years
I guess I fit into the “love at first sight category” because — this may sound corny — I knew I wanted to be with Trish from the moment I was introduced to her at work. Marriage was not on my mind but the desire to start on that path was virtually instantaneous. On the job, I had the opportunity to see Trish interact with friends, overhear conversations about music, travel, hobbies, and more. Her smile, laughter and common interests got me even more fired up than the sundress she once wore — that’s another story! The problem? We were both in long term relationships. I felt so strongly about developing a future with Trish, that I took the necessary steps to make it happen. It took Trish longer to become available but it all worked out.
Pete, 27, married two years
Amy and I had been dating for a year and she was going away to college. We both agreed to stay committed for the four years she would be at school. After the first year, Amy decided that being 275 miles away was too far and transferred to a local school. That was confirmation for me that the commitment was truly there.
Wayne, 32, married eight years
For the two years Linda and I went out we always had an awesome time together. It was easy-going and we never fought. I realized how much I cared for Linda when a hurricane was coming through and she needed her jeep which was left at her parents’ house. I insisted on picking it up even though it meant I had to drive through a wicked, treacherous hurricane. I wouldn’t have done that for anyone but Linda.
Joris, 29, married one year
Alicja and I were on our very first trip together. Three months after we met, we went skiing in Vermont on Valentine’s Day weekend with a group of other couples and stayed in a very nice lodge. The atmosphere was very romantic. We skied, snuggled in front of the fireplace and relaxed in the Jacuzzi and sauna. We also exchanged Valentine’s Day gifts. At that time I saw us going on trips like that in the future. After that weekend, I did not want to go home alone. She became a part of my life that I did not want to lose. My love for Alicja became stronger and stronger — so much that I wanted to marry her.
Howie, age 34, married eight years
On our first date, I took Jana to her very first hockey game. As a sports nut with a photographic memory, I remember almost every detail about all the games I’ve ever attended — and that’s in the thousands. That being said, I cannot tell you a single thing that happened during that entire hockey game. Equally, I never talk during games because I might miss something. But for some reason, that game at that moment was totally irrelevant. That hadn’t happened before or since to me but it did that night!
Anthony, age 37, married six years
My wife Red and I had been going out for about 4 years, just cruising along. We went to see “Forrest Gump.” At the end when Jenny was dying and Forrest was telling her about all his adventures, she says, “I wish I was with you” and Forrest replies, “You were.” That’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks — no matter where I was, Red was always a part of me. There’s always a piece of Red in my heart.
Brian, 32, married two years
My father had just passed away and so I canceled our first date. A couple of days after the funeral, I needed to bust out of my apartment. I called Jeanne and asked if I could come over. Now remember, I barely knew her but still wanted to see her. At her door, she was instantly so kind and compassionate, I felt like I was home.
Lou, 32, married one year
Christine and I had connected through the Internet. After having a great time at dinner, we took a stroll by the river and time stood still. She stopped for a moment and said she had a confession to make. Since she didn’t know me, she had brought a knife along for protection. I am the least threatening guy in the world so I thought this was hilarious. I asked to see it, but she said no… until finally she sheepishly pulled it out. I looked and couldn’t believe my eyes — I asked, “you were going to attack me with a butter knife?” We both laughed so hard. I asked myself, “How could I not love this woman?”
Clive, 36, married one year
There was no one event or situation that changed our relationship. There was no single characteristic or aspect of her personality that made me want to marry her. It came down to one feeling that was so deep within me and so sure. I just knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this woman.