6 Heartwarming Local Love Stories To Make You Believe In Love Again

Even though Valentine's Day is here, true love isn't always in the air. All you have to do is scroll your social media to see the drama. Complaints about current relationships. Anger over exes. Singles who don't want to be single anymore. Love has been getting a pretty bad rap lately. For some people, they've completely given up and have chosen to remain single. For others, they've resigned themselves to the fact that true love just doesn't exist and it's fine to just settle. It all just seems so incredibly sad. But love is out there. True love. Love that will stand the test of time. A love that seems like you only see it in the movies and takes your breath away. Let's focus on those. This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate some local love stories that are sure to make you believe in love again.

It's a question that's been debated for ages. What exactly is love. Is it a feeling? Is it an emotion? According to Marriage.com, it's both. They say that "It encompasses deep affection, attachment, and a complex blend of emotions. It involves physical sensations, cognitive processes, and behavioral expressions, making it a rich and nuanced experience." As we know, there are different types of love, and I think if you asked ten people how they define it, you would get ten different answers.

Everything is expensive these days, and love is no exception. With many people using dating apps to find love these days, it definitely adds up. There are tons of apps that are free, but a whole lot of them now have fees. And for those who are serious about getting some of the extras that come with the fees, it may be worth it. For example, Tinder charges up to $30 a month. And believe it or not, if you get the premium plan, that can cost you up to $500 a month. Hinge can cost up to $50 a month. And if you're using Bumble, that can be up to $40 a month.

With all that said, for most people, finding true love is still worth the cost, and sometimes heartache. Here are 7 local couples who have beautiful love stories, proving that sometimes, love is closer than you think.

Donnie Mancini and Tandi Duguay have been together since June 2023. He is from Meredith, NH and she's from Manchester NH. They live together in Meredith, NH. From Tandi...

Jessica Timas Pires and husband Manny

"I was on vacation in Cape Verde and upon arrival at a club before even getting out the car I plotted on him and told my girls we all laughed about it but when I got to the door I saw someone I knew and immediately started speaking English to the person I haven’t seen in years and then my now husband says to the mutual friend to tell me he likes me and wants to talk to me I was like I guess he doesn’t know I speak it too so I went acting like I was clueless to everything my husband was the bouncer at the club after that night we made plans the next day was his birthday and we have been together since separated for a little over a year but back together now married in 2013 just celebrated 11years on new years."

Rachel Vetstein and her wife Amy

"My wife and I met in 6th grade. We grew up in the same town. I always knew there was something about her but back then, you just pushed it aside. We skipped school a few times w friends and got a pretend band together. We used to sing Pat Benetar songs and play air instruments . Fast forward to 87 when I met my ex husband… we went on to have 4 kids in 5 years then divorce a year later. Fast fast forward to many years later when I saw her again at a club but I was with my girlfriend at the time so there was that. We kept in touch on My space () and then after, Facebook. Fast forward again years later in 2010 she messaged me to see if I had time to meet to color and cut her hair at her home… I pretty much never left and we have been together now almost 14 years! (Short of a very long story ) Never give up on love "

Courtney Carragher Hudgins and fiance Tamara

"I went to Singles Girl weekend in Provincetown in May. I went speed dating and met this incredible woman. A bunch of us went to lunch together and we played Never Have I Ever. After that we spent a romantic hour on the deck watching the sunset. She asked me if I’d go on a date with her on Tuesday. Monday I was at work and I got a delivery of 24 roses that said I’m Enamored by You. I text her and said I wish it was Tues. she said I have a car and can come see you right now…I lived in Billerica Ma, she lived in RI. She came, we had dinner, then we sat in her car talking till 4am. Went on our date on Tuesday, spent ever day that week together. That weekend I had plans to go back to Ptown with friends. She cancelled her trip to North Carolina to come with me. Monday I woke up blind in one eye. Tuesday I went to the dr and it was a detached retina and I needed immediate surgery. She left work and came to the hospital to be with me. I had to be face down for 90 days after the surgery so she asked me to stay with her so she could take care of me. I never left and officially moved in with her in Aug. In Oct she proposed to me on a gondola ride in Providence and we are getting married July 6! I’ve never been so happy in my whole life!!"

Jennifer Talienti-Frampton and wife Tashena

"I met my love, my now wife in Jamaica. I was there on vacation alone and  met super nice lady who was staying at the same resort.  We became great friends. She introduced me to her hair stylist, Tashena. And the rest is history. Tashena and I have been together for three years.   We got engaged last year she has since Moved to the United States. We got married last weekend!! It took me 48 years to meet her and  I definitely had to get out of New England to do so."