Real Couples – Anthony Cook and Christopher Kohler

When and how’d you meet?

Anthony & Christopher: We originally met online around 2006. There was a spark and connection but the timing wasn’t quite right.  Fate brought us back together in 2010 when we found ourselves working out at the same gym.  Shared physical activity interests, morphed into a friendship, which blossomed into romance, and transitioned into love.  We married on May 26, 2018.

What do you love most about your partner?

Anthony:  His energy and zest for life.  He lives in the space of gratitude.  He’s courageous.  He laughs generously.  He loves his family fiercely.  Life doesn’t feel quite as heavy with my husband by my side supporting, encouraging, and occasionally carrying me.

Christopher: My husband is the most thoughtful, caring, kind, compassionate human being that I never imagined could exist in real life.  

What’s one quirk you’ve had to get used to?

Anthony:   He sleeps with a full size body pillow and the blankets tucked under his chin.  It’s like having another person in the bed!  Invariably, they both end up in the middle of the bed during the night with all of the blankets.

Christopher:  His meticulousness and attention to detail.  It came to a head over the folding of his t-shirts.  I discovered he was re-folding all of his t-shirts after I finished folding them because he likes them folded a specific way. Crisp lines, wrinkle-free, sleeves folded in from left to right, finished off with a perfect square so they can be neatly stacked.  

How would you describe your dynamic/energy?

Anthony:  We compliment each other.  He’s spontaneous and I’m a planner.  He‘s Post Malone and I’m Mary J. Blige. He’s a rule-breaker and I’m a rule-follower.  He’s a Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines, and I have a peach on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.  We are different in many ways but what binds us together is that we share similar values: honesty, integrity, family, faith, respect, service, and simplicity. We don’t try to change each other, instead we allow each other the space to simply be.  We honor and celebrate that authenticity.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to, together?

Anthony & Christopher: We look forward to every day.  Living through a pandemic has taught us to welcome each day as a gift and an opportunity. The gift is that we get to share another day together. Each day also presents an opportunity to do good. 12 years ago when we started this journey, we never imagined we would be in this place. We feel honored and blessed to be able to share our journey together – living, loving, laughing and learning.  Every day is a celebration!