On Sun. Jan. 13, 1968, I went to a local club called “Les Cigognes” (The Storks) as a friend of mine, Francis, had told me this was a friendly place. I had never been there.

So I had arranged to meet there with a girl, Monique, that I wanted to date.

My friend Francis was there, and we had a quick chat. Then he pointed to two young girls and said, “You speak English; they are English.”

I do not really like to dance.

Nevertheless in those days, anywhere you would go, clubs or ballrooms, the habit was always three slow dances and three fast ones.

As my new girlfriend-to-be hadn’t arrived yet, I went to the table of the two young “English” girls and invited the “older one” for a slow dance. The tune was “When a Man Loves a Woman.”

After less than one minute of having Yvonne in my arms, I told her, “You will be the mother of my kids.”

We met again at 6 p.m. Mon., Jan. 14.

Due to the “almost revolution” of May ’68 in Paris, we had to wait until June 1, 1968, to get married. That is now almost 42 years ago!

— Claude Legrand

Newbury Park

Valentine’s Day used to be just another day for me. That changed in 2005 when I met a delightful and beautiful woman at a country bar in Thousand Oaks. She was one of many participating in a speed-dating program. I new she was special the moment I sat down at her table for our five-minute conversation. Unlike many people, she got my sarcastic humor and was laughing with me within minutes. She has a smile that lights up a room. I learned she grew up outside the area, which for me was a plus. She’s an East Coast girl with strong values who is athletic, smart, careeroriented and funny.

After voting yes for each other at the speed-dating encounter, we had coffee, then a few day trips together and eventually dinner and dancing. While dating we pretended to be married when looking at homes she was convinced you could not buy. I asked her to marry me on the Queen Mary, the same ship my grandmother came to America on. In October 2006, Kristen Benson became my wife. We now have a 2year-old daughter (Caitlyn) and live in the same home she, as a single woman, claimed she could never afford.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.

— Grahame Watts

Thousand Oaks

I was sweet 16. The year was 1952. A number of boys got transferred to my school to follow the last two years of high school science. One of them caught everyone’s eye; he was handsome, well-dressed and had a charming smile, nicknamed “Smiler.”

As time passed, my friends told me that he showed a soft spot for me and his eyes lit up when he talked to me. I ignored all comments.

My house was one block away from the school, and it was customary that my friends stopped by for tea. “Smiler” also joined the group. We were good friends. One evening the most unexpected thing happened. “Smiler” did not leave with the others; we were talking and suddenly he drew me close to him and kissed me on both cheeks. This was a first and I trembled. Something magical happened. Cupid’s arrow shot through our hearts and we were in love.

“Smiler” and I went steady for 10 years and tied the knot on the 31st of January 1963. This year we celebrated our 47th anniversary, and we have been each other’s Valentine for 57 years.

— Soma Silva

Newbury Park

It was 17 years ago, and I think it actually happened over the phone. All because my husband’s grandfather needed some blood work done. When he called my office to set up an appointment, sparks flew through the lines. When they arrived at the office, the sparks were really fireworks; even patients in the office felt it. I helped them to the car, and his grandpa actually said, “Are you going to ask her out or am I?” Patients in the office were actually taking bets whether he asked me out or not. Everyone felt it; I had never experienced anything like that, and neither had he. He didn’t ask me out that day; it took a couple of days for him to call, but from our first all-night phone call to this day, our love is still fresh, full of respect, and a lot of love is shared between us. That was 17 years ago, and we are looking forward to the rest of our lives together.

— Theresa and John King

Newbury Park

I was the lead singer/guitar player for an upcoming L.A. band, and we were in the recording studio putting down the lead vocal track for a very romantic ballad. My manager was bringing by a young lady, Janet, that was going to create our band website. The minute she walked in the studio door, the sound engineer started rolling tape for me to sing the lead vocal. My eyes locked on Janet, and I started to sing the song to her, which really added to the overall performance because she was stunning to me. I know that she was moved by this . . . and we hit it off immediately. I had just been hired to write and sing the theme song for the ABC hit show “Boy Meets World.” My very first royalty check went to Janet’s engagement ring. Janet never created the band website, but we married a year later and now have three beautiful kids and reside in Thousand Oaks.

— Phil Rosenthal

I was a 35-year-old single mother and thought I was never going to meet the love of my life. My friend Angie set me up with her roommate Troy. Troy and I hit it off right away. We had so many things in common and fell in love within the first month of dating. Troy asked me to marry him five months later. It was amazing. We went to a very nice dinner and then walked to the beach. Then he proposed, and of course I said yes. We were married Aug. 8, 2009. He is not only an amazing husband but also an amazing father to my son. He always says he didn’t just fall in love with me but fell in love with both of us. Happy Valentine’s Day to my best friend, soul mate and the love of my life.

— Paulette Worthy

Thousand Oaks I met my husband, Bill, almost 42 years ago in the summer of 1968. We both worked at the same company. He and my supervisor, Bill B., used to be roommates. I first saw him when he came to see Bill B. before his trip to Hawaii. I remember thinking, “Who is that cute guy?” I saw him at a few parties that summer and got my friend to take a picture of us. He put his arm around me, and I thought that was sweet.

The company always had Christmas dances each year, and 1968 was no exception. Bill B. and his wife, Patti, encouraged him to ask me, and finally on the Wednesday before the Saturday night event, he called. I still have the tear-off page of my calendar that shows “He called today.”

We had a great time at the event. We talked, danced and laughed all night. A friend, Karen, paid us the nicest compliment. She said, “I can’t believe it’s your first date. You and Bill are so comfortable together.” That’s us.

A year later he proposed, and we were married on April 25, 1970. This year we will celebrate our 40th anniversary.

— Mary Ann Schmidt

Thousand Oaks

I knew it was true love when I saved the last brownie for him.

— Tracy Sebastian

She took my breath away!

On Feb. 12, 1994, I was working in Paradise Island, Bahamas, for Club Med as a sailing instructor when my life was changed forever. Needing sustenance before starting the day of lessons, I went to the main dining hall and loaded a plate of breakfast. I decided to sit at a table that was empty except for a family speaking German at the other end. While devouring my breakfast, the nice woman in broken English said “GutenTag, Mein daughter speaks English und can she ask a question.” My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at this 18-year-old Audrey Hepburn-looking girl who smiled at me and proceeded to speak. I don’t think I heard a word she said, as my heart was racing and I was completely tongue twisted. I don’t think I ever told her that I fell hopelessly in love with her at that moment. Her vacation ended a week later, and we couldn’t stop thinking about each other. We’ve been married for 12 years and have three amazing children. Today, I still get overwhelmed by her beauty and feel the same way I did when we first met. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her!

— Mark Gurich

It was January 1995. We went to see “Pulp Fiction” with her roommate and mine. We sat next to each other, with uncomfortable silence. As the night progressed we went for a late dessert ( carrot cake). I remember it was her favorite. I then drove her home and said good night (no good night kiss). She left me awe- struck; I knew then that she was the one I would be with forever.

Sherry, I love you forevermore.

— Jordan Lippel

I met my husband on Feb. 25, 1983. I was working at the Playboy Club in Century City as a bunny. He came in that night to visit one of my good friends who worked with me. She introduced us and the rest is history. Dave was an LAFD fireman, and he was also a model. He was a Winston cigarette model and was featured all around the country on billboards and magazines. He was even in The Oaks mall back then. I knew he was THE ONE when I first laid eyes on him. He looked like Robert Redford and was truly a nice guy. I guess he couldn’t resist a bunny in a red costume either. We’ve been very happily married almost 24 years and have two wonderful boys.

— Eileen Stevens

Jan. 10, 1997, my friend and I went out to The Crown and Anchor Pub to have some fun. I was standing at the bar when a friend of mine came up to me and said, “You have to come and see this guy.” I had already been gawking at a cute guy who happened to be standing next to the phone booth about to make a call. I said to my friend, “No, thanks, I want him,” then pointed to the guy at the phone booth. I didn’t realize he had seen me, and he pointed at himself and mouthed, “Who, me?” and looked over his shoulder to see if there was someone else. I was so embarassed; he hung up the phone and walked toward me. I tried to run, but he caught me (my heart)! We talked that night for hours. We’ve been married 10 years this June and have a lovely 5-year-old daughter named Hannah. When people ask how we met, we always laugh about that night and can’t believe how lucky we are to have such a wonderful life together.

I love you, Kraig!

— Wendy LaCasse

Thousand Oaks

Although my college professor kept insisting I should meet the nice young man who lived next door to him, I had sworn off of blind dates long ago. The fact that he believed we’d make a perfect couple was just crazy. After school ended, our class met at the professor’s home, to view photographs of our assistance trip to flooded Baja. It was then that I was cajoled into going next door with two other students to borrow something for our potluck dinner. A few rowdy looking guys answered the door with beers in hand and music blasting. Although I was resolute in my decision of not pursuing the guy who lived there, I was immediately drawn to the cute young man in the kitchen, cooking dinner for everyone, a guy who looked as cool as Bon Jovi—and he cooked? The opposite of past boyfriends, he wore torn jeans, a faded Cal-Jam T-shirt, and his hair was longer than mine. He met my glance with the warmest eyes and smile I’d ever seen. My smart professor was the guest of honor at our wedding 30 years ago. The cool guy is even cuter now—and he still cooks.

— Yvonne Malone-Falcone

Thousand Oaks

I met my husband on a party bus on the way to a yacht, but that is a different story. I fell deeply in love with my husband in November 2008 when my son was born more than three months early. Mike, my husband, was my rock during this very difficult time. He took care of me and stayed by my side throughout my hospitalized bed rest. He then showed me how amazing and caring he could be to our new tiny son. He is truly an amazing husband and father, and I feel blessed to have him in my life. I love you!

— Heather Skelly

Westlake Village

I was working as a secretary at the Young and Rubicon Advertising Agency in New York. A gal who also worked there knew me and my husband-to-be, who happened to be a cadet at the Military Academy at West Point. She told me about Larry and thought we would be perfect together.

It was a love affair from the very beginning. We met on Jan. 19 and were married on June 9 in Rye, N.Y., in the Methodist Church. On our first date, he picked me up at my home in Rye, and we drove to a dance at West Point. We both knew that this love was meant to be. Our marriage gave us five marvelous children in seven years—children who came to us wherever we happened to be stationed—West Point, University of Michigan where Larry got his master’s degree, Japan, and Fort Knox, Ky.—Gary, Bonnie, Andy, Candy and Sherrie.

We will never stop being in love because marriages are made in heaven!

— Sallie Elder

Westlake Village

Posted on match.com 2005:

FOR LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY. Once in a lifetime chance. AVAILABLE NOW. 1932 model clean inside and out. Modernized with touchbutton features such as reliability, romance, intelligence, honesty. Seeking one leasee female able to handle with tenderness, caring. Long-term lease available. No hidden costs or baggage. What you see is what you get. Hurry, won’t last long.

Happy long-term leases in effect for—

— Leo Glick and Yvonne Sterkin

Thousand Oaks I met my future wife on a solo vacation in Cape Town, South Africa. I took the overnight flight from London and, instead of heading to the hotel for some sleep, decided to have a few beers at the Waterfront and join a two-hour sail cruise of Table Bay. I had a nice conversation with a few locals on the boat, which carried over back on shore over a few more beers. One of the locals, Odele, invited me to her family’s home for a proper South African braai later in the week. I met the family, flew home to New York at the end of the week—and began calling and e-mailing Odele over the next few months—the beginnings of a very long-distance relationship. I flew back to Cape Town a few more times that year to visit Odele, and she came to visit me in New York just three weeks after 9/11—and it was on that trip that I asked her to marry me—and she said yes. We’ve been married for nearly eight years and have a beautiful 9-month-old baby boy.

— Michael Kohlstrand

Thousand Oaks

Jon Paul, I fell in love with you before I even met you. When we first met at London Gatwick Airport, I knew you were meant to be in my life forever. Our first kiss at the wishing fountain cemented that thought in my heart. The many years of our long-distance relationship made us strong, and we started our lives together in England with our little Oscar and Poncho. We later moved to the U.S, where we got married just three years ago. We have done so many things together, giving me memories that I will always cherish. However, I am even more excited for the things that are still to come. You have been in my life for over 11 years, and we have grown up together. If someone would have told me that I would end up married to “that boy from Ohio” that I met on the Internet, my reply would certainly have been, “Only in my dreams.”

— Laura Brinkman

Thousand Oaks

It all began with car trouble. He won me over when he took such great care of me while I was panicked. He reassured me. I became curious and wanted to learn more about this kind person. We agreed to have drinks that very night. Later we laughed when we learned that neither of us is much of a drinker. He sent me flowers the next day. That was eight years ago. While we have surely had our ups and downs, he’s still the first person I call when something wonderful happens. He still makes me laugh, and he still makes my heart skip a beat every time I look into those green eyes. He still asks the two dreaded questions that he knows drive me crazy. “Honey, what’s for dinner?” and “Honey, why are you always late?” Yet, the sweetest sound is him softly saying, “I love you.” The difference is that I no longer dread car trouble. You may not be perfect, but you are perfect for me. I love you, Craig.

— Sandra Lee

Thousand Oaks

Though it may not be my first date, this meeting of two people is very special to me. This is my parents’ first date.

My mom’s older sister, Robin, and my dad worked together when Robin invited him to a party to meet my Aunt Melissa. Robin had tried to set my mom up with a man at the same party. My dad didn’t quite like Melissa, and my mom didn’t quite like the man Robin had set her up with, but because of my cousin Justin, who really liked to hang out with my dad, my parents met. My cousin was so hyper he couldn’t speak straight; after all he was only 3, but my mom could understand what he was talking about, and she politely explained it to my dad. My parents hung out together, with Justin, the rest of the party. My dad asked her if she would like to go on a drive. My mom said yes. After talking, they decided to go out again; a kiss helped, too. The thing I love about this story is my parents are complete opposites, but they love each other all the same, and I believe they always will.

— Hannah Denshaw

Newbury Park

My husband and I sat near each other in a film class in college, and I thought he was cute, so I passed him a note asking where I’d seen him before because he looked familiar. He wrote back that I had been sitting in front of him in another class. We passed notes back and forth for the next three days in class, never speaking a word. On the fourth day it was raining, and I asked him if he’d like to come over after class and have a cup of hot chocolate and a real conversation, which he did. He drank the entire mug of hot chocolate, said he had a class at 6 but could he come back after and could we finish talking, to which I said sure, and he did, and basically, he never left. The best part is, he hates hot chocolate! We’ve been married 18 years this past December and still going strong!

— Robin Reul

Thousand Oaks

Right on schedule, in my college days, I met the perfect girl, wooed her and married her. For 47 years we were happy, as we had three children and I worked at a career. When she died my world crumbled and I held on tightly to fond memories.

I never expected that an old heart could be renewed so completely and totally as mine was when I met Irene. She was our real estate agent as we needed a special house to accommodate my wife’s illness and then to sell that house, which was so full of bad memories when she died there. As my anger and sadness abated after my wife’s death I found new hope, new happiness and new dreams of a future growing as we got acquainted and found out how much we had in common.

Now, after 10 years of wonderful marriage I am still thrilled to find how much an old heart can appreciate, how much a kiss can still mean and how even a more limited future can still offer in excited expectations. Valentine’s Day is once again wondrous, this second time around.

— Bob Dingman Newbury Park Although my college professor kept insisting I should meet the nice young man who lived next door to him, I had sworn off of blind dates long ago. The fact that he believed we’d make a perfect couple was just crazy. After school ended, our class met at the professor’s home, to view photographs of our assistance trip to flooded Baja. It was then that I was cajoled into going next door with two other students to borrow something for our potluck dinner. A few rowdy looking guys answered the door with beers in hand and music blasting. Although I was resolute in my decision of not pursuing the guy who lived there, I was immediately drawn to the cute young man in the kitchen, cooking dinner for everyone, a guy who looked as cool as Bon Jovi—and he cooked? The opposite of past boyfriends, he wore torn jeans, a faded Cal-Jam T-shirt, and his hair was longer than mine. He met my glance with the warmest eyes and smile I’d ever seen. My smart professor was the guest of honor at our wedding 30 years ago. The cool guy is even cuter now—and he still cooks.

— Yvonne Malone-Falcone

Thousand Oaks

As a junior, I transferred to Westlake High School. I found my English class, sat down and scanned the room for cute boys. I only saw one that grabbed my attention, Nick, but I did not know his name at the time. For the first two weeks of school, I thought his name was Darius. Thankfully, we never spoke so I didn’t call him the wrong name. That fall I was on the same soccer team as Nick’s sister; she basically brought us together. For our first date we went to Conejo Valley Days. That night I realized that there was something amazingly special and different about him. Needless to say, we had a perfect first date, and we have been together for the past year and nine months. Due to our age, some people may say that our love can’t be real or that we don’t have a chance at staying together forever, but I know better. Nick, I appreciate you in so many ways. I am very proud of you and the person you are. I am so glad you are in my life. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetie! I love you with all my heart.

— Shelby Thirkill

While I was attending a religious camp in upstate New York, I heard this terrible yelling and grunting coming out of one of the dorm rooms. Since the door was open, I looked in and saw this beautiful woman sitting on a suitcase (a greatly over-packed suitcase) trying to get it closed. Feeling chivalrous I offered to help. Casual conversaion followed, such as “What is your name and where do you live?”  

The answer was shocking; our homes were 10 minutes apart in the San Fernando Valley. When we got home I called and asked for a date. Her answer was “Yes, as long as you don’t tell anyone I am going out with you.” (But that’s a story for a different column.)

People obviously did find out, as last Saturday was our 39th wedding anniversary. 

— Steven Gewirtz

Westlake Village

Forty-one years ago the most adorable young man, Jerry Spates, danced into my life and literally swept me off my feet. We met at the Staircase Lounge in Pittsburgh, Pa. Each of us out on the town consoling our brokenhearted friends. That evening something magical happened. We danced the night away to the Skyliners singing “Since I Don’t Have You.” At that moment I began planning my strategy on how I could follow Jerry to California and become a part of his life, hopes and dreams.

There has never been a doubt in my mind that God was instrumental in our chance encounter that beautiful evening. My mother had always told me that I would marry a ditch digger one day. She was so right. I’m proud to say I married a man who digs the most amazing ditches up and down the state of California.

That adorable, unassuming boy who danced into my life so many years ago can still make my heart skip a beat when he walks through the door at the end of the day. Our love continues to grow. I am truly blessed and thank God I found my soul mate of 40 years.

Happy anniversary, Jerry. I love you!

— Sally Spates Thousand Oaks
My eyes found you
When they were fresh
As the petals in the spring
We were lured
By something higher
Through destiny
The gift she brings
For who can plan
Such a delicate scent
The one that dances
You into my head
It is our world
The one we made
Sunshine in
The afternoon shade

We could not see
Nor did we care
What lay beyond
Our earthly wares
Yet time has passed
And still I know
The love we have
Will surely grow
— Marie Wyszynski
Thousand Oaks

I remember the day he walked into my life as though it were yesterday.

This took place in Chicago. He walked into my office and said that he would like to see my boss. I told him my boss wasn’t in town but that he could check back later in the week.

He smiled at me and said that if I would get an appointment for him with my boss he would take me out for the best steak dinner ever.

I thought he was so good-looking and he had a great personality (a real salesman!), so I told him that I would try to get the appointment for him and that he should check with me later in the week.

The very next day he came back into my office and said, “How about going to lunch?”

(Later he told me that he thought I was pretty cute and he liked my personality, too)

So off we went to lunch, and that was the beginning of a year and a half of dating which led to our 1953 wedding and a family of three terrific kids.

By the way . . . I did get him that appointment with my boss . . . but somehow I never got that steak dinner! Oh, well . . .

— Connie Avison

Thousand Oaks My girlfriend and I decided to take boys’ gym at Taft High in 1976. She soon left for driver’s education, and, being the only girl, I met everyone in the class. Glenn got my attention by throwing pebbles at me during roll call. He was the strongest guy in the class, able to bench-press more than anyone. Our friendship developed over the next year. We started dating when I was 16. He was a year older. Glenn used to sneak in my photo lab to steal a kiss in the darkroom.

When my family moved back to Canada my parents thought he was history. We conversed through moon vibes and secret phone calls. I still have the shoe box full of his letters. Each winter he would visit me, and I would return to California to see him every summer. After two years apart, I graduated high school and traveled 3,000 miles across the country to live with him at the ripe old age of 19.

We have recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. I am proud to say he is the only man I have ever loved.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my soul mate!

— Diana Forbes

Newbury Park
Debbie + Gary
Living with your sister in ’83
Brought me close enough
To see how much I wanted you
And all your adorable stuff
You rented our third bedroom
A suggestion I did commend
But when you moved in with us
I met “Cynthia” . . . your girlfriend
Believe me it wasn’t easy
Watching you two laugh
But it was wonderful getting to know you
And your art of the photograph
In ’87 we split as roommates
But promised we’d stay tight
Yet when I left L.A. in ’88
I thought I’d never get my knight
Once you called long distance
My assistant said, “Who is Gary?”
I looked at him and said dreamily,
“A guy I’d love to marry”
Then a couple years later
You called for some advice
About proposing to your girlfriend
And what you’d have to sacrifice
I moved back to California
It was 1990 . . . in September
The first time we locked eyes
Was a moment I’ll always remember
You looked at me differently
It was new . . . something greater
We went out on our first date
And we married one year later
Eighteen years now Gary
All of this to say
I love our life together
Happy Valentine’s Day!

— Debbie Moss
Thousand Oaks
I was a 35-year-old single mother and thought I was never going to meet the love of my life. My friend Angie set me up with her roommate Troy. Troy and I hit it off right away. We had so many things in common and fell in love within the first month of dating. Troy asked me to marry him five months later. It was amazing. We went to a very nice dinner and then walked to the beach. Then he proposed, and of course I said yes. We were married Aug. 8, 2009. He is not only an amazing husband but also an amazing father to my son. He always says he didn’t just fall in love with me but fell in love with both of us. Happy Valentine’s Day to my best friend, soul mate and the love of my life.

— Paulette Worthy

Thousand Oaks

Met at a high school dance. At that time boys wore full formal suit; Peter’s suit was navy blue wool.

I wore a pleated skirt and a pink 100 percent Angora wool sweater. Needless to say at the end of the evening his suit was covered with Angora. I definitely made my mark on Peter and his suit, and the rest is history. Love at first sight and marked with Angora.

Another interesting note: We share the same birthday: Peter—Sept. 10, 1934; Marie—Sept. 10, 1935.

— Marie Callari

Westlake Village

When I met my one true love, that God made perfectly, just for me, there was the smell of lavender in the air, and we were shaded under a gigantic cottonwood tree at Los Poblanos Farms in New Mexico.

We lived over 800 miles away from each other, but the bond was so strong that the distance was only there to inspire our creativity and desires.

The day I knew he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I was returning from a road trip from Wisconsin back to California, and we just happen to meet up in Santa Fe. He had just finished work and was covered with the dust and dirt of a hardworking man, and as he held me in his arms I felt like he was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. A knight in shining armor, a prince, a king, a master of skills performing anything under the stars, holding me? Yes, yes, yes, me, the luckiest woman on this earth, and I cherished every moment in his arms from that day on. I’m so incredibly happy and proud to be Mrs. Michael Sandoval.

— Tammy Fouts Sandoval

Newbury Park