Where the Red String Leads

The Red String Theory suggests that there is a red string tied to two people beginning at birth who are destined to be together. They may even run into one another before the time is right to connect. Maybe they live in the same city, go on vacation to the same place at the same time, or attend the same party but never say anything before the time is right. It suggests that no matter what life will bring them together in the end. Paige and Mark’s story begins like this. 

They were both into Martial arts, attended the same studio, and even knew one another’s names. But it wasn’t until they both went to Jitterbugs that they actually connected. At the time, Paige was even taking a break from dating and just enjoying building her own life. Even though they danced together that night, nothing really resulted from their meeting. Later on, Paige’s friend who also knew Mark suggested that she text him because he had all the right things. Then after just three months of dating, they found themselves lying on Mark’s empty apartment floor he was moving out of when Mark asked her if she would say yes if he asked her to marry him. She told him she would love to down the line. 

I asked Paige the age-old question, “How did you know he was the one you should marry?” She said there was no big flashy moment. Instead, there were several tiny precious moments. All of which he made her feel comfortable in. While all the other guys she was dating were stuck in going with the flow mode and not thinking about the future, Mark was very logically wired and spent a lot of time thinking about the future. Even though their wedding day moved at the speed of light, Paige was able to take a moment while they were cleaning up to realize everyone who was there in the beginning of their relationship was there in that moment too. A real full circle moment. 

However, she reminds us that a love story does not end at the wedding. It is just beginning. Over the course of our interview, Paige highlighted this idea that love is ever changing. This was really brought to life when they had their daughter. Paige unfortunately had a difficult postpartum but Mark served as her rock during this time especially. He would notice when she needed extra help and come in to take care of their baby. Communication has been key in their relationship to help navigate life’s changes. Paige admitted to being overly independent over the years. So she had to tell Mark that she would appreciate him helping out with things when she is overwhelmed or stressed as she is prone to taking on everything by herself then dramatically burning out. She also learned that during meaningful conversations, she prefers to lay everything out on the table all at once while Mark likes to thoroughly think things through to ensure he says things clearly. 

Over the years, Paige also discovered that you do not fall in love with a person in big ways. It really is just the small things about a person that you look forward to each day. Marriage has allowed both of them to know their stories, personalities, dislikes, passions, and quirks in great detail. One of her favorite things about being married to Mark is looking forward to when he laughs. He has a dry sense of humor and doesn’t laugh often. So when he does, it puts a pep in her step. She also adores his obsessive future thinking. It isn’t uncommon for him to insulate the attic, learn how to install brakes, or plan out what car will get car seats. The two have helped one another grow over the years too. Mark has helped her be more patient and she has helped him be a little less reserved. 

After hearing Paige and Mark’s love story, perhaps love is not butterflies in our stomach. Maybe it is consistency, comfort, and quirks that actually make us fall in love with someone. Even though the Red String Theory exists, we may not feel the connection to our person as a big flashing light but instead as a deeper knowing. No matter what though, we will know when we find the end of the red string. 

THAT’S LOVE.

Most Loved Omaha Spot: 

Paige lives for the Moon Hollow Coffee shop located on 156th and Fort. They have the cutest zen vibe and the best special lattes.

Shana Schoone writes “The Heart of Omaha,” a weekly column celebrating all the ways love is shown in the O.