Odd Couple Ultimatum: Be my Boyfriend or else!
Tower reporters Bryan Jimenez and Stephany Medina have been dating for 5 months. They spend a lot of time together, whether it’s sharing a Chick-Fil-A lunch or sitting together at the same table in class. They can be spotted around campus, walking shoulder to shoulder or hand in hand. Often Bryan is found carrying all of Stephany’s bags, with a big gleam on his face. On assignment, they’re often the first to help one another with an interview or an edit. As close as they are, Bryan and Stephany are still their own people with unique hobbies, thoughts and perspectives. “Odd Couple” captures those perspectives on a variety of topics.
When did you know it was time to make it official with the titles of “boyfriend” and “girlfriend”?
Stephany Medina: Since the beginning of the relationship, I have been assertive about being asked out within three months. He happily obliged and was willing to ask my parents for permission. Although he failed miserably and all that came out was a mumble. I mean it’s the thought that counts, right? He asked me out to formal with a poster and did the same with prom so it’s fine. There were like three occasions, when I was certain that he would ask me out. The first was when we went to the movies and watched Elemental. That was a tad optimistic because we had been talking for a month. The second instance was when we went to the arcade, and he was nicer than normal and bought me Starbucks. The last instance was at the park, well, I was wrong. To be honest, the day he asked me to be his girlfriend, I was mad at him and didn’t expect it.
Bryan Jimenez: We met in our first term of junior high school when I decided to TA a Spanish class by Mr. Burr in which Stephany was in. One day, we had a sub and we scrambled in terms of our seating chart. Then I saw Stephany. I admired her beauty and found her Instagram account. I texted first, and we began talking for a few months. We learned our interests and soon realized that we had a lot of common things. I decided to awkwardly ask if she would be up for a date at the movie theaters. We watched Elementals by Disney. We soon realized that we were both the type to talk throughout the entire movie; we didn’t pay any attention to the movie but enjoyed our time. It was also the first time that I met her parents. It was a scary experience because I did not expect to meet them on the first day. We slowly talked for about three months. It was near the fourth month when I decided to ask her out. I felt as if I fully knew her interests, and that we had multiple things in common. I asked her out with handmade flowers, colored purple. I gave her the flowers after school where I asked her the question.
Do you feel like summer will bring you closer together or create distance?
Stephany: I am honestly not worried about the summer. I understand we might not hang out as much, though the time we spend together will be meaningful. We will not be dictated by bells and can freely enjoy each other’s company. I think summer will be a great opportunity for us to enjoy our pastimes. I think this will be beneficial for the relationship, as our stress will be diminished. Aside from the Delta classes we decided to take, it still is less of a workload than our high school classes. We will have the chance to visit new places together, swim, and we both prefer the summer. He is less moody when the sun is out. We met last summer, so it will be nice to recreate some of my favorite memories which were when the sun is out. That and we have so much to look forward to our senior year.
Bryan: Throughout summer, I believe that we will mostly be more neutral. The only thing that will change is not being able to see each other constantly but I hope to be able to hang out whenever we can. Jobs and summer classes can both affect us which could limit our free time. Parents being much stricter and implementing a curfew such as only being able to hang out for two hours instead of the six hours at school. It also has an advantage over us being able to hang out at more places, such as visiting newer places, more dates without having the struggles of doing homework constantly every day. We can go visit places at farther distances and have a wonderful time together. One place that I wish to visit would be the beach or the aquarium, and even a fancy restaurant together. Summer most likely won’t affect our relationship but might make us argue more over the littlest things.
How has your relationship with one another challenged other relationships in your life? Think family and close friends.
Stephany: Our relationship hasn’t really challenged my other relationships with friends or family. For the most part, my family has been very welcoming and eager to meet him. My grandma and entire family wanted to meet him the day we started dating. At that point we weren’t ready and opted out of it. My family can be a bit intrusive with their questions. When he first came to my house, he hid in a little corner. My little brother wanted to go to the park. Bryan and I went together, and my little brother chose him instead of me to go down the slides with him. To be honest, our relationship hasn’t challenged my relationships, if anything he just adds to them. By being a great addition and a great babysitter, hopefully he doesn’t lose a kid like he lost my English book today.
Bryan: I believe that throughout our relationship, it hasn’t challenged any of my relationships like friends or family. I usually hang out with Stephany throughout the entire school day, and the only one I hang out with out of school. My parents both know that I only hang out with her. My family hasn’t been affected by this. I am still able to help my siblings with homework and play with my little brother. Also, I can still play with my dog and take care of her while sending pictures to Stephany. Stephany hasn’t impacted my other relationships like friends and my family, but the only concern is me not being able to hang out with my friends, although it has not affected our friendship, but I prefer hanging out with Stephany instead. She serves as a great addition to my life.