"Finally ... I snagged my big crush": here, some happy readers reveal how they got together with their ideal mate.(LOVE AND LUST: LOVE STORIES)

"For six years, I've been going to the same restaurant--even though I don't like the food--just to check out the cute guy that works there. His dad owns the place, so he's been there forever. In fact, I was so infatuated with Hamburger Hottie that once my four-year relationship ended, the first thing I did that afternoon was go see him at the restaurant with my friends. As we were paying, I slipped a note with my number on it between the dollar bills, asking him to call me if he ever wanted to hang out. Twenty minutes after I got home, my cell rang and it was him! We went to dinner that night and had the greatest date ever."--Crystal, 24

"My best guy friend, Josh, is in a band, and I've had a thing for the lead singer, Mike, for years. Onstage, when he's belting out songs, he's confident and sexy as hell, but offstage, he's so quiet. I'm really extroverted though, and Mike seemed put off by my energetic personality, so I assumed he thought I was just an annoying fan. One New Year's Eve, I was at a party with Josh, and Mike called him to ask for directions to another shindig. When he heard me chime in with 'You'll have more fun with us,' he decided to ditch his plans and hang out with Josh and me. After a few hours, Josh left. Finally alone, Mike confessed to having an enormous crush on me, which he never acted on because he said he was so intimidated around me. After a week of hanging out 24/7, we became a couple."--Julie, 18

"When Dustin first started at my company, I thought he was great and really nice, but I didn't see him in a romantic way ... that is, until my coworker pointed out our amazing chemistry. I knew she was right--I did get giddy whenever he was around--but I wasn't sure how I felt about starting up a work romance. Still, for the next year, I secretly had a thing for Dustin. Then, by default, we wound up having our first date at the X Games in Aspen when his friend bailed on us at the last minute. We were having a great time together and decided to go watch the snowboarders on the half-pipe. The scene got even more intense when we locked eyes and he leaned in for a kiss. All I could think was, Finally! It's about time! Six months ...