From Cafecito to Cosmos: The Journey from Humble Beginnings to Big Love

Growing up in Little Havana, I never thought the cacophony of domino tiles clacking on abuelitos' tables would teach me about building connections. And yet, here I am, sipping my cafecito—okay, it’s an oat milk latte now—and marveling at the journey from humble beginnings to discovering what makes relationships extraordinary.

Here’s the secret: Everything extraordinary starts out pretty ordinary. Life, love, self-discovery—they all sprout from mundane moments. So, if you’ve ever felt like your efforts at relationships are stuck in neutral, I promise: you’re standing at the starting line of something transformative, if you're willing to rev the engine.

Chapter One: Embrace the Cafecito Moments

Relationships, whether romantic or platonic, don’t always begin with fireworks. Sometimes it’s more like the humble cafecito—a seemingly ordinary sip that warms you up, one delicious note at a time. Think about those little rituals in your day—a walk in the park, a favorite meme you always share, the text that says, "You up?" (the normal one sent at 7 p.m., not at 2 a.m.).

Take it from me: turning the ordinary into extraordinary means leaning into the simplicity of connection. I learned this early, watching my parents dance salsa in the kitchen every Friday night, their way of saying “I love you” without words. The rhythm wasn’t always perfect—yes, there were stumbles—but their consistency built something unshakable.

So whether it’s a weekly FaceTime call with your long-distance crush or a Sunday tradition of trying a new recipe with your partner, value the small rhythms. Those are the seeds of "extraordinary."

Try This:
- Send someone a song you’re vibing with—it’s the modern-day mix tape, and nothing says “I want to know you” like sharing your playlist.
- Start a ritual, however small. My personal favorite? Picking an absurd holiday to celebrate (National Taco Day is undefeated) and texting your person about it.

Chapter Two: Get Curious Like Anthony Bourdain

Good relationships start with good questions. And no, I don’t mean interrogating someone about their 5-year plan on a first date. (Seriously, chill.) I mean the kind of questions that aren’t about getting answers but about opening a window into someone’s world.

Growing up, curiosity was practically a love language in my family. My dad would pepper me with endless questions—“Are lizards happier here than in Cuba? What do clouds look like today?”—to show me that noticing the small stuff is how you stay connected to the big stuff.

In dating and relationships, channel that energy! Approach your person like you’d approach street food in a far-off place: with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to try even if you’re unfamiliar with the spices. Instead of asking, “How’s work?” (we’re all tired, okay?), try something unexpected. “What’s the wildest thing that happened at work today?” “In an alternate universe, who do you think you’d be?” Fun questions lead to fun stories—and endless chances to bond.

Pro Tip: Go deeper than the surface responses. If they tell you about their love for scuba diving, don’t just nod—ask what it’s like to breathe underwater. That fascination signals you value their experience, and that makes them feel seen.

Quickfire Questions to Spark Magic:
- “What’s a random fact that always blows your mind?”
- “If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?”
- “What’s one thing your younger self would never believe about your life today?”

Chapter Three: Let Yourself Be the Quirky Main Character

Here’s the honest truth: My road to extraordinary has been paved with embarrassing moments, awkward hobbies, and a touch of chaos. Case in point? I once impressed someone simply by making homemade mojitos (a skill many Miami-born folks possess)…until I used lemon instead of lime. Truly, iconic fail. But it worked because I leaned into it.

Authenticity is magnetic, and "quirks"—the ones you sometimes worry about hiding—are often what make you unforgettable. If you’re holding back in relationships, you’re denying someone the joy of knowing the real you. Who cares if your laugh sounds like a seagull or your texts are littered with way too many GIFs? Someone out there loves that.

When you stop performing “perfection” and start living your truth, connections flourish.

Actionable Self-Check:
- What’s one thing about you that makes you stand out? Don’t downplay it—celebrate it. Whether it’s being an Excel whiz who can color-code their life or introducing people to small-batch rums, your thing is uniquely yours.
- Share those parts casually. “This might sound nerdy, but I stayed up way too late last night reading about medieval swords, and now I think I could be a knight.” If that sounds ridiculous, congratulations—you're already winning them over.

Chapter Four: Don’t Fear the Plot Twists

Here’s the thing they don’t always tell you about growth: It gets messy. Like, bad-dye-job-in-April messy. But messy moments are where transformation starts. It’s how the ordinary parts of your story evolve into something memorable. Trust me, I've lived this bit—whether it was fumbling the first time I tried salsa in public (it was a tourist bar in NYC, and two steps in, I tripped over my partner’s shoe), or navigating emotional misunderstandings in relationships that taught me how to listen better.

The magic in building connections lies not in avoiding mistakes but in how you show up after. Relationships—romantic or otherwise—aren't about perfection; they're about resilience, humor, and being willing to look silly sometimes.

If you’re willing to stay open to the surprises—and yes, even the less-than-graceful moments—you're positioning yourself for growth, not stagnation.

Mantra for When Things Get Complicated:
“I’m writing the story as I go. Every plot twist just makes it more interesting.”

Chapter Five: Reclaim Your Inner Rom-Com Fool

Somewhere along the way, I learned that genuinely extraordinary connections look like all my favorite rom-coms—equal parts funny, frustrating, and heartwarming. (Tell me you didn't cry when Sandra Bullock fell for Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal.) There's beauty in leaning into the joys and absurdities of love.

Let yourself have those ridiculous moments: gush about the text you waited two hours to get; laugh until you cry because that inside joke still cracks you up. Celebrate the awkward yet triumphant pauses when someone gulps down their fear to say, “I really like you.” Life isn't some artsy indie film where everyone’s cool and detached—it’s messy improv with an occasional dance number.

At the end of the day, love is choosing connection over fear. Show up, even when it feels chaotic. Express warmth freely. Say the thing.

The Takeaway: Your Story, Your Rhythm, Your Magic

From the first sip of cafecito to where you stand now, your journey has its own rhythm. You won’t always know the next step, and sometimes it’ll feel way less glamorous than the movies made it look. But trust me: turning the ordinary into extraordinary is less about perfect timing and more about being present.

Small, consistent efforts built the extraordinary salsa nights my parents created in our kitchen. My journey—awkward spills, quirky wins, and all—led me here, celebrating the raw beauty in every stage of connecting.

Your story? It’s unfolding, too. So lean in. Take joy in the flirty beginnings and the deep, quiet moments. Let it all simmer. I promise—it’s the best recipe for an extraordinary life.