Last winter, I visited Jishu Shrine, located beside Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Jishu is famously the patron shrine of matchmaking in Kyoto. Within its grounds are two “love stones” — if you can walk from one to the other with your eyes closed, it is said your love will come true.
My friend tried it and opened her eyes halfway. I, somehow, made it the whole way.
That same evening, there was a work-related party. To my surprise, I clicked instantly with one of the men there. We exchanged contact details, met privately a few times, and to my astonishment he confessed his feelings to me. Since I had also become interested in him, we started dating.
The man I’m with now is someone I met on the very day I visited Jishu Shrine. I still find it hard to believe.