Gavin and Karen first met in high school, grade twelve biology to be exact. The romance began as the result of a convenient seating arrangement. On the first day they ended up beside each other in the back of the class.
Karen: “Gavin refused to move to the front of the class when the teacher asked him so we stayed in the back of the class and didn’t so a whole lot of work that year”
*both chuckle*
The pair had known each other before bio but never really talked. Gavin had the reputation
of being one of the smartest kids in the school but was a very humble guy.
Gavin: “Yeah I really didn’t talk that much”
Gavin knew of Karen because she made him laugh, with her relaxed personality and fire jokes.
The couple’s relationship was truly cemented during their initial dates. The first was in the traditional fashion. They got coffee from a small Italian restaurant in a market in downtown Ottawa and chatted up a collector for amnesty international on the sidewalk
The second date was more unique.
Karen: “He asked me to Black Sabbath. He assumed I listened to it…. I didn’t…. at all…”
The date was made even more interesting by the twist that they would be having dinner with Gavin’s family (specifically his mother and grandmother) before the concert. This posed a problem for Karen; how do you dress Black Sabbath and meeting your new boyfriend’s parents? Regardless, the couple are still together so apparently Gavin made the right call
Looking for romance advice? Gavin is your go-to man. Although modest and soft-spoken, Gavin has a knack for romantic gestures.
This was first shown during his prom-posal to Karen. That day Karen arrived at school to find a lone rose in her backpack. She then found one in her locker, on her seat in her next period class and one waiting for her in biology. She was talking to Gavin about how strange her day had been and Gavin managed to maintain his composure saying only “oh, how weird”.
After the final bell had rung a friend approached Karen and suggested she go to the cafeteria. She arrived to find the lights dimmed and soft music playing. Gavin was standing at the center of the room holding the remainder of the bouquet and sign asking her to grad.
Following high school, the pair was forced into a long-distance relationship with Karen staying in Ottawa to attend Carleton University while Gavin left to Kingston to study at Queen’s, however Gavin continued to find ways to charm Karen. On the day of Karen’s birthday in first year he arrived at her door with a single rose and bottle a wine, sporting a white bowtie (intended to be a white coat but he couldn’t find one), as per the TV show Chuck.He then took Karen to the surprise party he had planned for her.
Karen transferred to Queen’s in third year. The two now live together, where they enjoy cooking together and playing with their dog, Argo. They also both compete on the Queen’s fencing team.
After five years of dating, the couple has some advice to offer readers:
Karen: “Always communicate. Any problems we have had are because someone isn’t voicing their thoughts and feelings”
Gavin: “Flowers help too”
*smiles*
- Love, Human Crossing
p.s. If you are interested in learning more about how other Queen's alumni are doing...check out our friends at The Limestone Era. (They even feature the iconic Professor D. J. McConomy!)