Allise

Match #2: Cole

Next, Allise was paired with Cole. They went for a walk in a park and then out to lunch. “We’ve lived in Woodbury for five years and Cole’s mom picked a park we hadn’t been to,” said Treena. “It was nice.”

The couple walked ahead of their moms. Allise’s first impression of Cole: “He was tall. He seemed really nice.”

After the walk, they all went to a French restaurant for pastries. “I love crepes,” said Treena, “so that was a bonus. I hadn’t had them in a long time.” Reflecting on the experience, Treena smiled, “I think me and Cole’s mom had more fun than the kids did.”

Match #3: Rowan

Rowan is female and was paired with Allise for friendship. When the girls met, they learned they both love princesses, so they decided to see the movie Snow White.

They had fun at the movie, and later went bowling. Rowan also invited Allise to her birthday party.

“The funny thing about that story is, Will and Rowan know each other!” said Allise. “They actually grew up together.” That gave the girls a topic they could talk about. “We both laughed about that.” Allise and Rowan have also begun meeting each other’s friends.

Match #4: Carson

Allise and Carson went to lunch at Applebee’s. “Carson lives in Monticello and we live in Woodbury, so we were trying to think of somewhere we could meet in the middle,” said Treena.

At lunch, “Carson was telling me a story that made me laugh,” said Allise. “He seemed nice.” They talked about their siblings and she told him she has an older brother and an older sister.

The memory that stood out for her? “I would say that he was funny. He made me laugh.”

Favorite Memory

Of her three male matches, Allise’s favorite memories are from her first date with Will. “He held the door open for me, and he gave me a hug before he left.” Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most powerful.

Relationship Roles

When asked what she has learned about relationships, Allise and Treena both perked up. “Tell her about your sheet,” said Treena. And Allise immediately got up to go find it.

Allise completed an exercise on relationship roles that she found very helpful, and she plans to bring it with her this fall when she starts college at Bethel University. The exercise categorized five types of relationships:

• Stranger – Someone you don’t know.
• Acquaintance – Someone you’re getting to know; you have occasional interactions.
• Friend – Someone you know and enjoy spending time with; you’re comfortable sharing personal information.
• Best Friend – Someone you know well and share a lot of common interests; you have a deeper emotional connection and feel comfortable sharing significant life details.
• Romantic Partner – Someone you feel very close to and you both feel the same way. Treena added, “Maybe you like holding hands, or you wouldn’t mind giving him a kiss.”

These categories helped Allise understand the people she has met through Find Love Safely started out as strangers, then became acquaintances, and some have blossomed into friendships. “I’m taking this to Bethel,” she said. “This is so wonderful.”

New Speed-Dating and a New Match

Allise attended Find Love Safely’s recent speed dating event and was matched with Derek. “He’s cute,” said Allise.

At the event, Treena and Derek’s mom struck up a conversation. “She was super friendly,” said Treena. They were later surprised their children were paired with each other.

Allise and Derek went to lunch at Perkins. Allise may learn what having a Romantic Partner is like after all … we’re rooting for you!