Amanda Kay Cook was tired of relationships that went nowhere. So, in October 2020, she took matters into her own hands and devised a unique dating method to find her perfect match.
Drawing up three nonnegotiables, including seeking a long-term relationship, sharing her political views, and feeling passionate about social justice, Amanda rounded up 30 potential matches from dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, as well as friends. She conducted required 15-minute FaceTime dates with each candidate, quickly narrowing down the field by half based on their responses to her nonnegotiables.
In November, Andrew Philip Anello, also known as Drew, entered the picture in a rather unconventional way. A mutual friend mentioned to Drew that she had a friend looking to meet someone, to which Drew jokingly responded by messaging Amanda on Instagram, expressing his interest.
Their connection was instant, with their first FaceTime date lasting an hour. Despite the distance between them as Amanda was visiting her mother in Illinois, they continued to communicate daily, building a strong bond.
By December, Amanda confessed her feelings for Drew, and he reciprocated, leading to a heartwarming reunion at La Guardia Airport in January 2021. The couple moved in together in April 2021 and adopted a rescue dog named Sasha in February 2022.
Their relationship continued to blossom, culminating in a proposal outside a restaurant in April 2022 and a Leap Day wedding on February 29. Now residing in Manhattan, the couple looks forward to a lifetime of love and adventure, with Amanda jokingly noting that they only have to remember their anniversary every four years.
Amanda and Drew’s love story is a testament to taking control of one’s destiny and finding true love in unexpected ways.
