First in Line, Last in Line: Natalia and Anselmo's Love Story
Mariana Zayas, Candid Co-Founder & CPO
Natalia was one of the first people in line. Anselmo was one of the last, and he wasn't sure he'd even make it inside.
They met at Candid's speed dating event at SEEK25, FOCUS's national conference for Catholic college students, in a room with more than 2,100 participants. About a year and a half later, they're engaged.
Showing up anyway
Neither of them was sure about going. Walking into a room of 2,100 strangers to talk to someone new every few minutes isn't most people's idea of a relaxing night.
Anselmo talked himself into it with a simple thought: what's the worst that could happen? Everyone in the room was Catholic. Worst case, he'd have a few good conversations with people who shared his faith.
So Natalia got there early, and Anselmo got there late, and they both made it in.
Ten minutes in round one
When the first round started, Natalia and Anselmo were seated across from each other.
They both remember how easy it was. The minutes went by fast, and both of them walked away from that conversation hoping they'd get to see each other again once the event wrapped up.
They did. After the last round, they found each other, picked the conversation back up and exchanged numbers before the night was over.
Coffee on the last day
That same night, Anselmo asked Natalia to get coffee the next morning.
On the final day of SEEK25, they sat down together and talked about their lives over coffee. It was a small, ordinary moment, and it ended up being the start of their relationship.
Making long distance work
When SEEK ended, they went back to their own cities, and they've been doing long distance ever since.
Long distance takes effort. You don't get to run into each other after Mass or grab dinner on a whim, so every call, visit and plan has to be chosen on purpose. Natalia and Anselmo kept choosing each other, month after month.
A year and a half later, engaged
From being seated across from each other in round one to the day Anselmo proposed and Natalia said yes, it took about a year and a half.
Today, they're engaged and planning the next chapter of a story that started with two people who almost didn't make it into the room.
If you're on the fence
Natalia and Anselmo both almost let hesitation keep them home. If you're feeling the same way about your first event, that's normal. Nerves don't mean you shouldn't go - they usually mean it matters to you.
You don't need a conference to try it. Candid hosts virtual speed dating events every month for single, practicing Catholics, organized by age group and region, and you can join from your phone or computer. Download the Candid app to find an event near you.
Frequently asked questions
What is Candid? Candid is a Catholic dating app built around speed dating. Instead of endlessly swiping, you meet other single, practicing Catholics through short one-on-one video conversations at virtual events, and through in-person events like Candid on the Road.
Does Candid host speed dating at Catholic conferences like SEEK? Yes. Candid has hosted large in-person speed dating events at SEEK, FOCUS's national conference, as well as its own in-person series, Candid on the Road.
How do I try Candid? Download the Candid app, create your profile and register for an upcoming virtual speed dating event in your age range and region.