Ned Hardy

For guys who are shy, socially anxious, or just not the type to make the first move, finding love can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But as these stories show, romance has a funny way of happening when you least expect it.

Sometimes it’s a chance encounter on a train, a friend playing matchmaker, or a woman making the first move while the guy is completely oblivious to what’s happening.

When men were asked how they met their wives, the answers ranged from hilariously awkward to genuinely heartwarming. Some had been single for years. Others weren’t even looking for a relationship. And a surprising number were pursued by women who knew exactly what they wanted.

Here are 14 stories that prove you don’t have to be the most outgoing or confident guy in the room to find someone who loves you.