22 Reasons Why Haley Loves Mike
44 is Mike's favorite number. Here's half that in the form of reasons that HLM
1. Commitment to "the bit"
When I first came across Mike's dating profile, the line "committed to the bit" caught my eye. I wondered what that meant. Now after months of dating, I see it looks like being the ONLY person booing the Commanders football team after the lead singer of Train shouted them out at a concert in Wolf Trap. It looks like ordering a Dr. Eggman costume for Halloween (complete with bald cap) and wearing it to 3 different events. Like starting the E-A-G-L-E-S chant at Eagles games and learning how to sign it in ASL. Whatever he decides to do, he's in it 1000%.
2. Bringing the VIBES
Speaking of commitment, Mike shows up for his people. Be it an event with Sigma Chi brothers and friends, get-togethers with childhood buddies, or a friend's house party, Mike is there to bring humor, ease, and vibes to the function. He's got this amazing ability to make anyone feel welcome and relaxed regardless of the situation. Mike is fantastic at being himself and encouraging everyone else to be themselves too!
3. His kindness towards everyone
The beautiful thing about people is that we are all different. I've seen Mike interact with all types of folks with the same smile and thoughtfulness, no matter what. I'm continually a fan of how intentional he is with his words and actions. His care for everyone makes me smile!
4. Dedication to his communities
Mike is an involved Sigma Chi alum and a chapter advisor for American University. His mentorship with young college men and his efforts into maintaining strong relationships with fellow alum in all circles (region, state, and national) are impressive! In addition to Sigma Chi, his passion for Movember is incredible. Over ten years, he has raised over $27,000 to spread awareness of men's mental and physical health challenges, and to encourage men to maintain and care for their health.
He is also a proud alum of George Mason University, and the biggest GMU Men's basketball fan! Fear the tutu!
The Duality of Man
Left: Mike, a proud Sigma Chi, posing with the official Northern Virginia Alumni Chapter document
Right: Mike taking a shot of hot sauce while dressed as Dr. Eggman on his 24-hour livestream fundraiser for Movember.
5. Thoughtful inclusions
Every social outing Mike has ever planned, his first thought is "How do we make everyone feel included?" His intentionality of including everyone who might be interested creates such safety and joy among friends. We all know the difference between "I guess you can come..." and "I want you to be here!" Mike makes sure everyone feels the latter.
6. Curated experience planner
The first date Mike and I went on was a beautiful trip to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, because he knew I loved looking at flowers and plants. He gave me pointers on what types of things to wear without giving it away (always love having outfit guidance beforehand!), and drove us to the gardens. Vibrant flowers, beautiful Japanese gardens, and a plethora of walking trails made this a perfect day. He's an amazing listener and planner, and I am fortunate to reap the benefits.
7. His smile
His laughter and smile are just infectious! He makes me feel happy when I see him so happy. Gotta love that grin :)
8. Confidence and authenticity
Mike is comfortable and confident in all aspects of himself. I've seen him proudly rock a shiny gold top for a Rocky Horror costume, and slay the talent portion of the night. He's always honest about what he enjoys and believes, and is unapologetically himself. His ability to be joyfully be himself encourages me and others to feel comfortable and welcomed.
9. Dedication to his craft(s)
He is incredibly knowledgeable about fire alarm design, not just in general, but as an expert on each project he is on. I'm fascinated each time he is able remember things like the number of pull stations and their exact placements on floors on each project he has done. Even on projects where is he isn't assigned to take point, he knows building layouts, designs, and best future steps extremely well. He takes such pride in knowing how to do his job WELL, and being a part of saving lives.
Mike would BOO and thumbs-down this house
10. Problem-solving skills
Mike possess a logical mind, and seeks to find solutions. This applies to problems at work, video games, and his conversations with friends and family. When he and I have had miscommunications or disagreements, he consistently approaches the situation with understanding and solution-seeking. Moments with potential to turn volatile are avoided through "What can I do to support you?" or " I notice XYZ. How can I make this better in the future?" His care and commitment towards finding a resolution make me feel so heard.
11. Playfully petty
As he often says " I love to hate on things!" Mike's unserious hatred of small things cracks me up. The one that first comes to mind is his hatred of plain yellow-white holiday lights on the outside of houses. He declares it is boring, and needs to be at least blue-white ( but even then, only acceptable if the decoration is evoking snow or ice.) I remember holiday drives in the passenger seat as Mike loudly Boo'd each unacceptable house and congratulated houses with any kind of colored lights. I still don't understand ( and probably never will) , but I am thoroughly amused.
12. Empathy
Though everyone is capable of empathy, there are far too few who practice it consistently. Mike is one of those few. It's no secret that Mike and I can be different - he's an extrovert who loves a last-minute-planned hang, while I'm an introvert who prefers to know plans in advance. I have baskets of unfolded clothes from a month ago in my bedroom; he folds or hangs his clothes immediately. No matter the difference, Mike is not deterred , but rather approaches our differences with curiosity and seeks understanding of how I think. He often makes me think "Why do I prefer or choose XYZ?" I get a chance to reflect and communicate with him how and why I feel the way I do, and I appreciate that I am able to listen as he shares his point of view with me too.
Mike would deem this house acceptable (thumbs-up)
Mike definitely thumbs-up this house!
13. Engaging storyteller
You know when you can tell someone is enjoying themselves - eyes light up, their voice gets louder, they lean forward slightly towards their audience.... When Mike tells a story, he doesn't just tell it. He's cracking jokes that hit. He's putting out a playfully petty opinion that gets people excited to debate. He's grinning and chuckling as he recounts the time he and his friends made spaghetti pancakes. The joy he has is palpable. He's enjoying telling the story just as much as his listeners are enjoying hearing it.
14. Joy
When I think of things that represent Mike, one of the first things that comes to mind is a sunbeam. He is warm, delightful, and bright. His face and voice radiate with happiness when he talks. I feel uplifted just listening to him!
15. Encouraging
One of the things I have tackled this year is a weight-loss journey. A large obstacle for me was conquering my anxiety of gyms. Before late 2025, I had stepped foot in a gym exactly 3 times. I did various sports as a kid, and did kickboxing and boxing for 6 months last year, so I'm not a total noob to exercise. An actual gym is a whole 'nother beast, and quite frankly, I was intimidated by the thought of strange equipment, people staring, etc. ? I shared my fears with Mike, who listened and offered his support in encouraging me. He's consistently helping me celebrate my victories through positive messages, check-ins, and holding me accountable to things I commit to.
16. Calming energy
After I first met Mike, I realized that I felt so relaxed and comfortable around him. After about date 3, I remembering telling him " You're surprisingly one of the few people that don't drain my battery." I can truly count on one hand the people that don't socially drain me. Mike is one of them, and continues to be a place of peace for me, just by being himself.
18. Mental health as a priority
Whether you admit it or not, sometimes life gets too overwhelming to give your 100% energy. (Of course, life is a balance of knowing when you can push yourself through it, and when you need to take a break to reflect, collect yourself, and jump back in it.) Mike has always been frank that folks everywhere experience mental health challenges, and the negative effects of the stigmas of it. His work with Movember highlights the challenges faced by many men who struggle with mental health, and the stigma of seeking support. I admire that he shares his own vulnerable experiences and acknowledges those of others.
17. Thoughtful gift-giving
Mike is very intentional with his presents, and does an amazing job of showing his love through meaningful gifts. I often feel guilty and second-guess myself when shopping for splurges, and have lamented the price of things like exciting new video games. I made a comment once about wanting to buy Princess Peach: Showtime while I was in GameStop with Mike. I don't think I ever brought it up again, but he absolutely remembered and knew I wouldn't buy it for myself. On my birthday (among many other amazing gifts he spoiled me with), he bought me the game I had wanted! For Christmas, one of the gifts he gave me that touched my heart was a wine bottle from a special winter date we had filled with my favorite (fake) flowers! He puts so much care and effort into gifts for all the people he loves.
19. Goofball
Man is multi-faceted. Just as he is calm, he's also the biggest goof and I love it! I'm a lover of dumb memes and so is he. Our sense of humor typically overlaps and so ridiculousness ensues. He embraces my goofy whimsy and brings his own brand of Mike-goofy. Sometimes we just make noises and sound effects at each other until the other one breaks. It's dumb, but it's amazing. ( I do promise our humor is actually sophisticated sometimes.)
Mike spoiled me on my birthday with video games galore, fancy dinner (not pictured), a sweet card, and my favorite cake! I'm so lucky to be loved by him :)
20. Handsome
His smile, his kind eyes, and his beard are what first caught my eye when I saw his pictures. I thought he was attractive, and that feeling only continues to grow. Mike is an attractive man both because of his personality and his appearance. He takes care of his skin, hair, and wears great cologne too. I'm blushing just thinking about how handsome he is (cheesy, but true.)
21. Care-taker (Dad friend)
Mike does a great job making sure everyone has what they need. When we meet up somewhere after a long day of work, he'll ask if I want a snack or water. Every time I have visited his apartment, he asks me to text him when I arrive home safely. He goes the extra mile too! One day I got sick with a nasty flu and felt like absolute garbage; headache, fever, body ache...you name it! When I told him I was feeing crummy, he came and brought me pho, refilled my water, and tucked me in bed. Mike's intentionality and care for me makes me feel so seen and loved.
22. My best friend
Mike, you are my best friend! You are safety, laughing, honesty, new experiences, breakfast/lunch/dinner dates, and so much more. It is a privilege to love you and be loved by you. Happy Valentine's Day, darling!