Mutual friends introduced us. We went out a couple times, nothing there for either of us.
A couple of years later, I moved to Yemen (1993). Lived in a construction camp on the southern edge of the Rub' al Khali (empty quarter). 60 miles from the nearest paved road. Probably 100 miles from the nearest flush toilet. Started writing letters out of boredom. She wrote back.
We courted by mail. Several months later, I flew back to Houston. We got together, rented a beach house with friends.
Back to Yemen, many letters later, many months later, I flew her to Italy for a week together on my R&R.
Back to Yemen, many letters later, many months later, I flew her to Mexico City for a long weekend. I found an diamond ring under a park bench and asked her to marry me. (Okay, I palmed the ring, but for about 2 seconds, she thought I just found it.)
Back to Yemen, many letters later, many months later, back in the states for Christmas, meet her parents, schedule a date for the wedding.
Back to Yemen, many letters later, many months later, return to the states to live in the beach house I gave her cash to buy for me. (okay, with a limited power of attorney) Married later that year.
Sense of humor, willingness to do what needed done when it was needed (this has been big for both of us). Conservative values, family was important to her, she was already comfortable with who she was and wasn't. Commitment was real for both of us, life-long from when we decided to be together.
We still have the letters. The kids can read them after we die. It was the only way we had to learn about each other, deep beheld beliefs, sex, fears, etc. I was limited to one 10 minute satellite phone call per week; call her one week, my parents the next; they each would then call the other. Folks that only know today's world of email, IM, social media have not a clue what I experienced.