“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”
Best friends and lovers: Kevin + Robbie
Meet Kevin and Robbie, another couple that found love themselves in a loving relationship after meeting casually on a dating app. With their one year anniversary approaching, they’ve made a conscientious effort to put their relationship first. Find out what they had to say below:
Where did you meet, and what did you think about each other when you met for the first time?
Robbie: We met on a dating app (Jack’d) for gay men. Initially, it was a casual hook-up, but something was different about this one. He kept coming back! We eventually became comfortable with each other, and things progressed from there.
Kevin: For me, it was more about the open communication and honesty. Once you start a routine or rhythm (Those checking-in texts), that’s how you get to know someone. To my point though, we met on Jack’d, and it was supposed to be just a hook-up. I eventually fell in love!
How has your relationship grown through the pandemic?
Robbie: It’s grown tremendously. We’re coming up on our first year together, and we’ve been through some issues dealing with trust and honesty. The pandemic has helped our relationship evolve into a place of openness, communication, honesty, and trust. It took a while because we had it, lost it, and built it back up. Now, where in a great a place.
Kevin: I would say honesty. When you think about it, what’s communication without honesty? People say don’t be too be raw or honest, but you have ask those tough questions. If you truly love someone, you’ll figure it out, and make it work.
Robbie: If you’re asking for honesty, you have to prepare yourself to receive it, whether it’s good or bad. There are some who want you to be brutally honest, but they can’t handle the truth. Be prepared mentally to receive it.
What makes this “Love Experience” different from any other relationship you’ve had in the past?
Kevin: I feel like I’m with an adult. We always say, “I want someone who brings something to the table.” I never thought it could be more black and white. When you find someone that you click with (thinks like you, thinks before you, thinks for you, and always has your back, and great sex), hold on to them.
Robbie: I agree! I’ve had a few relationships in the past, but I’ve never had a connection this deep before. When I heard people in relationships say, “Oh, that’s my best friend,” I never took them seriously in the past. With Kevin though, this man is my best friend. From our laughs to our conversations, I don’t want to have them with anyone else. He gets the news first before anybody, whether I’m happy or sad. That’s the difference between this relationship, and the others.
Where do you see your relationship in the next five years?
Robbie: I could see us opening a business for Kevin. He wants his own salon. For myself, I want to be anywhere except my current job. It’s stressful. For both of us, I see a house, and a dog.
Kevin: I see elevation whether it’s a new house with a backyard, new career opportunities, financial stability, traveling, and just being us at our own center.
For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?
Robbie: Communication is the foundation, and that will always keep you going.
Kevin: Yes, but there are so many layers of communication including honesty, openness, listening, and reciprocity. Some people say they will never change for a relationship, but you have to change. You can’t date yourself, it’s not possible. Find your balance, and if doesn’t work, it’s okay! If you feel like it will be something, figure it out. Have a plan!
Where can we reach you?
Instagram: @kevyscocky
TikTok: @kevinmichaelshair @poppington1000