How to Kiss a Stranger

Every couple has a spark to start their relationship. Dave and Joan were no different. But while interviewing them, I found the beginning of their relationship to stand out among the rest.

Dave knew Joan before they started to date. His roommate had taken Joan on dates… in DAVE’S car. Bold move. 

It had been a couple of years, and their time in college was in the second half. Dave had just gotten back from vacation in the Gulf, meaning he was especially tan. “He tricked me!” Joan told me mischievously.  

Joan was in the car with some friends, and Dave said she was in the back seat. “That’s false,” she responded to his recounting of the story. “I was driving.”

The incongruence in their story made the retelling even cuter. But the next part of the story was agreed upon by both to be true.

Joan rolled down her window, as Dave walked up to the car and proceeded to kiss her right on the lips, then said with the cool suaveness of a tanned 21-year-old, “We should go out sometime.

And they did.

I couldn’t believe my ears hearing this story. I asked them if kissing people you barely know was normal when they were in college. Joan assured me it wasn’t. But they’re charismatic start to their relationship was evident as they told me other beautiful and hilarious stories about their life. This passionate start to their relationship was the spark that has lasted over 40 years and produced 8 children. They have been leaders in their community for decades and made a profound impact on the world around them.

I was surprised how deeply this story struck me. It carries something romantic, bold, adventurous, and humorous. All of which are ingrained in the human experience. I am very grateful I got to relive their stories through their retelling. Their family and loved ones will be glad they have Dave and Joan’s stories as well, particularly the story of them kissing a stranger.