In the age of digital romance, the story of Josh Avsec and Michelle Arendas stands out as a testament to the power of patience, humor, and social media. The couple, who matched on Tinder in 2014, exchanged playful messages over three years, each taking months to respond. Their quirky exchange caught the attention of the internet, and eventually, they met for the first time on “Good Morning America” (GMA).
The Beginning: A Unique Tinder Match
In 2014, Josh Avsec and Michelle Arendas, both students at Kent State University, matched on Tinder. Unlike typical Tinder conversations that fizzle out quickly, their interaction was marked by humorous and prolonged responses. Josh initiated the conversation, but it was Michelle’s witty reply that set the tone for their unique exchange.
Example of Their Early Messages:
- Josh: “Hey Michelle.”
- Michelle (Two Months Later): “Hey sorry my phone died!”
This pattern of delayed responses continued, each reply dripping with sarcasm and humor, keeping both Josh and Michelle entertained over the years.
Hahahaha one day I’m going to meet this girl and it’s going to be epic. Look at the dates of our tinder texts. pic.twitter.com/DASQK4c5cX
— Josh Avsec (@Wes_03) July 8, 2017
Going Viral: The Internet Takes Notice
In July 2017, Josh shared screenshots of their three-year-long conversation on Twitter, captioning it, “One day I’m going to meet this girl and it’s going to be epic.” The tweet quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes, retweets, and comments. The internet was captivated by their playful banter and the improbability of their prolonged conversation.
Tinder Steps In
The viral tweet caught the attention of Tinder itself. The dating app’s official Twitter account responded to Josh’s post, offering to send the couple on their first date anywhere in the world. Tinder tweeted, “It’s time you got together IRL. You have 24 hrs to decide the city you want to have your first date in and we’ll send you there!”
The Big Decision: Meeting on GMA
Amidst the viral sensation, “Good Morning America” invited Josh and Michelle to meet for the first time on live television. The couple agreed, adding another layer of excitement to their already intriguing story.
The First Meeting
On July 25, 2017, Josh and Michelle finally met face-to-face on “Good Morning America.” The moment was filled with anticipation and excitement as they embraced for the first time. The hosts of GMA, along with the audience, watched as the couple shared their initial reactions and thoughts.
Highlights from Their First Meeting:
- Michelle: “I was so nervous but excited to finally meet Josh. It felt surreal after all those years of messaging.”
- Josh: “Seeing Michelle for the first time was like meeting an old friend. Our connection felt natural and easy.”
