Whitman & Dana

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!
His: I was immediately struck by Dana’s background as a business journalist, which is something I studied in undergrad. We immediately hit it off with lots of clever banter while getting to know about each other’s background.

Due to conflicting travel schedules, we actually texted back and forth for almost a month before we met in person! I was unfortunately a little late to our first meeting (a BIG no-no for dealing with Dana), but I was able to put on the charm offensive and overcome this short coming. Fast forward a few hours later and we were the last people in the restaurant, laughing and carrying on.

Over the course of the next few months we shared in a fair number of hijinks while really solidifying our relationship together. We’ve since travelled the world in a short amount of time together, visiting Japan, Israel, Canada and Switzerland.

Hers: It took us more than a month for our first date after matching on The League because of our travel schedules. But, from the first date on it was clear we had tons of common interests and priorities. I made an exception on our first date to have dinner with Whit (I never did dinners on first dates because it felt like too much of a commitment if you don’t hit it off). That was one of the best decisions I’ve made because we were the last two people at the restaurant because we had so much to talk about.

What stood out to you about each other’s profiles?
His: She seemed very well put together. Like she was totally in control of her own destiny.
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Hers: I liked that he was so active in his photos and clearly well traveled. One of his main photos was a picture of him snowboarding, so I knew we had lots of common interests. He also came across as sincere and family oriented.

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?
His: I probably initiated conversation and pointed out that I studied something similar to her profession.

Hers: We know this because we just asked the League for a transcript of our first conversations! Whit initiated the conversation and it was the normal getting to know you type of chat, but there was a ton of banter and sarcasm.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?
His: From the get go, it felt like we had a ton to talk about that there were always new threads opening up in the conversation. It didn’t feel forced. I knew I had a lot of common interests to fall back on while not being so totally into the same things that it was boring.

Hers: I think there was an immediate ease with Whit. The fact that we spoke via text for 4-5 weeks before actually meeting in person was unconventional. I normally wouldn’t commit that amount of time to someone I hadn’t met, but it felt really natural to talk to him so often.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?
His: It took probably a month because we both had conflicting travel schedules.

Hers: 4-5 weeks.

Where did you go on your first date?
Hudson Clearwater restaurant in the West Village.

When did you know that this was “your person?”
His: When I saw that she was able to both properly function in polite society while also had a flair for mischief and skirting the rules (in a fun, non-nefarious way). We are very similar in this respect.

Hers: Our third date — we went to the Whitney Biennial opening party and then crashed a 40th birthday party at Santina and quickly realized we were partners in crime.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?
His: We really support each other in all things. By our nature, we are both active people who always have a desire to try new things, explore new projects and ideas and test the limits of what’s possible. This would be difficult (or intimidating) for some people to manage, but it seems natural for both of us.

Hers: We are really supportive of each other both personally and also professionally, whether that relates to our careers or other projects.

Are there any upcoming milestones in your relationship?
His: We just moved in together!

Hers: Our wedding in April in Charleston!

What are 3 things you value in your partner?
His: Drive, affection, intellectual curiosity, joie de vivre (that’s four).

Hers: His sense of humor, kindness and empathy.