All About Us

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning Alexander Murphy-Nakhnikian would go into the Copper Cup for a triple large latte before his neuro-biology class. And that's where he first laid eyes on Eric Anderson, who was working at the coffee shop and over time remembered his order. While Anderson was sure Murphy-Nakhnikian was heterosexual Murphy-Nakhnikian chickened out when he attempted to ask Anderson on a date. It was when he got to class that he realized he made a mistake.\n"I left class 20 minutes early, drove back to the Copper Cup and asked him out for a cup of coffee," Murphy-Nakhnikian says. "And his response was 'I work in a coffee shop.'"\n"We went to Bear's instead for a drink and I dragged him into the back for karaoke," Anderson says with a laugh.\nDespite some of their differences, such as Anderson's love for the theater and Murphy-Nakhnikian's passion for science and philosophy, this couple has been going strong since their first date on March 3, 2005.\nMovies\nTogether this couple enjoys flicks from every genre across the spectrum. \n"This is where we start to differ, the likes and dislikes," Anderson says. "I like to watch the classics and he likes humor, so we trade off."\nAnderson will watch "Kill Bill" and "The Big Lebowski" with Murphy-Nakhnikian as long as he watches some of Anderson's favorites such as "Gone with the Wind" and "Steel Magnolias."\nThey both enjoy the dry humor and satire of any Christopher Guest flick, such as "Best in Show" and "Waiting for Guffman."\nFood\nJust like any college student, this couple is trying to monitor their spending. \n"Alex is a really good cook," Anderson says. "He makes really good Italian and roasted chicken and salad."\nBut when they want to go out on the town they often head to Fourth Street for ethnic restaurants such as Casablanca Cafe. You could also find them dining at local eateries such as Irish Lion, Mother Bear's for a classic pizza or Uptown Café.\nAs for eating late at night? Steak N Shake is the place to be.\n"It's my comfort food," Murphy-Nakhnikian says.\nValentine's Day\nThis will be the couple's first Valentine's Day together. What will they be doing?\n"I'll be working, I think," Anderson says. "Want me to ask off?"\nMurphy-Nakhnikian says he is going to plan something, but he doesn't want to give the surprise away.\nThe couple thinks the world of one another.\n"Hmm ... where to start," Murphy-Nakhnikian says. "We said we weren't going to get cheesy, but he really makes me laugh."\n"Inside he's a huge softie and a great, big dork," Anderson says. "Since the third month in our relationship there has been a cloud over us"