Everyone knows that once February rolls around, love is officially “in the air.” But, if you really think about it, love has been in the air this whole year!

To prove that love thrives far before February, Kathleen Martinez ‘23 and I interviewed some Rosary-Servite couples to get a glimpse into their romances.

First up, Kathleen’s own boyfriend, Jaden Mackowiak ‘23, gushed over the details of their relationship: “We met at a party around junior year, and we stayed friends after that. Then, we saw each other again at another party, and we realized that we had feelings for each other, so I asked her on a date. We went to Knotts Scary Farm and had tons of fun there and after that, we continued to talk and go on dates. We officially got together on September 26th, so we have been together for one year and five months (17 months). One thing that I love is how we are like best friends and how we can talk about everything. She makes me feel happy, makes me smile, and I love how funny she is. I’m so lucky to have her in my life.”

Aside from Jaden, Kailey Lugo ‘23 also revealed details about her relationship with Servite water polo player, Ryan Gonzales ’23: “In middle school, I played on a club volleyball team with a lot of Ryan’s school friends, so we had a lot of mutual connections. Ryan and I officially met freshman year and have been friends since that point. After going to a party together, we started seeing each other every day and have been together for six months now. My favorite thing about him is watching him interact with my family, especially my younger brother.”

Ryan’s water polo teammate Isaac Sanchez ‘23 opened up to us about his girlfriend Anika Leon ‘23: “We met at a party, and we’ve been dating for a little over five months now. My favorite thing about Anika is how kind she is and how well our energies and vibes match. Our personalities are both very go-with-the-flow, so it’s never hard trying to figure out a date idea or a place to get some food. I don’t really mind what we’re doing as long as I’m with her.”

Morgan Brkich ’23 also described her adorable relationship with Andres Urrea ’23: “We met in a Rosary/Servite group chat on Instagram during quarantine. We were both up late one night and texting back and forth in the group chat. Later, he DM’d me, so we stopped blowing up everyone else’s phones, and the rest is history. We have been together since August 2020 which is two years and five months! I admire that he will go out of his way to help everyone in his path. He cares and is always there for me, even when I’m being super dramatic.”

Andres went on to add what he loves about Morgan: “My favorite thing about her is her personality. She is so headstrong and will always do everything in her power to make herself heard, and she is absolutely gorgeous!”

Next up, Brianna Guzman ’23 gave us a sneak peek into her relationship with Servite senior D’Angelo Ruiz. Brianna said, “We actually met online via Instagram. He had requested to follow me, but all he had was an anime profile picture (pfp) and nothing else on his page. It was actually my favorite anime, so I sent him a DM saying ‘I like your pfp,’ and it started from there. I wanted to really get to know him, so we were in our ‘talking stage’ for nearly a year before starting anything. We have been together for a year and a half and will hit our two years this September. My favorite thing about D’Angelo is how he follows through with he what he says. Last year, he randomly wanted to learn how to cut hair and quickly made purchases and started learning. He is really good now! #proud.”

Servite wrestler and football player, Kyle Hogue ’23, described his relationship with fellow Royal Reporter writer Caela Cabal ’23: “We met at my freshman football game but didn’t date at first. Now, we have been dating for exactly two years and eight months. I like how she is with family—specifically how caring she is with my little sister.”

Meredith Matavesco ’23 shared details on her relationship with Parker King ’23. She divulged, “We met through mutual friends at a beach bonfire and dated shortly after. We’ve been dating for a year and a month. I love how driven and caring he is—especially when it comes to dates or special events. He’s very thoughtful and puts in the most detail.”

Parker added his feelings for Meredith: “Not only is she always there through thick and thin, but she also gives me the calm everyone strives for in life, and she loves me for who I am. I don’t need to act like someone I’m not just to be with her.”

And to end with a bang, Julia Clarke ’23 spilled the details on her THREE-YEAR-LONG relationship with Alex Pelcak ’23: “I saw him at the Freshman Picnic and thought he was really cute, so I did some digging and got his phone number (I didn’t have socials at the time), and I just texted him. It was a little awkward at first, but we decided to meet up at a Servite soccer game and that’s when we first talked face-to-face. I love Alex’s character. He is selfless, thoughtful, and honest. He always puts others before himself, and he is the kindest person I know.”

It seems like cupid struck more than one person at Rosary and Servite this year! Happy early Valentine’s Day Royals and Friars!