‘It’s you, it’s me, it’s us.’ – Yuri

Yuri Prater and Alyssa Parker met on Hinge in October 2022 and went on their first date at the Devoted Kiss Café on Halloween. Since it was Halloween, Yuri decided to wear a costume.

“I rolled the dice and decided to dress up as Clark Kent,” Yuri said with a smile. “It was probably a little much for a first date, but I figured if she was weirded out by that, we wouldn’t have been a good match anyway.”

Luckily, Alyssa wasn’t put off by the costume, and they hit it off. They went out again, but it was the third date that Yuri remembers the most. It was a simple date – a movie then takeout and Netflix – but when Alyssa left, she did a little happy dance that they both laughed about.

“When she did that dance, I think that’s when I knew Alyssa was the person for me,” Yuri said. “For so many years, I always felt pressured to be more than myself on dates to try to impress the other person. It was a little moment, but it was nice to be dumb together on only date three, and I immediately just felt relaxed and relieved she felt comfortable enough to dance in front of me.”

All her family and friends say Alyssa is an incredibly caring person, which makes her an excellent nurse at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Yuri added that the patience and care she shows with children means she will be an amazing mother.

Another word that appropriately describes Alyssa is adventurous. She loves hiking and being outdoors chasing sunsets and whales when they enter the Puget Sound area.

The couple are both obsessed with whales and have been on several whale watching tours to see them up close, but so far, Yuri has missed out. Alyssa is determined to be there to experience seeing Yuri when he sees one live in living color for the first time.

Yuri said they are a good match because they are both financially responsible, and he credits Alyssa with helping him rethink how he invests his money and handles his finances. She also helped him adopt a more plant-based diet.

“Alyssa has certainly improved my life and made me a better person,” Yuri said. “With her help, the new diet has improved my health, and I now strive to save money by using coupons at the grocery store and shopping at more affordable shops and markets. We both know we’re going to be spending our lives together – and financial freedom – but still being able to do things we enjoy is key.”

They both knew very early on that they were in the relationship for the long haul. They met each other’s friends and family very early and it became obvious that we were meant for one another.

“I have no interest in being with or meeting anyone else. She’s my person and I’m hers,” Yuri said. “Happy Birthday, Babe! 34 is going to be a big year!

“I know house hunting will be a huge challenge this year, but I’m so excited to take that challenge on with you. I love you!”