Rachel Maddow, known for her sharp political commentary and progressive views, has never shied away from sharing personal anecdotes about her life outside of the newsroom. One of the most surprising — and oddly endearing — stories she has ever told is about her very first date with her longtime partner, Susan Mikula. While most couples opt for the standard dinner, coffee, or movie date, Maddow and Mikula’s first outing took place in an unlikely and unexpected setting that would eventually become a defining and memorable moment in their love story.

The location? An event sponsored by the National Rifle Association, aptly named “Ladies Day on the Range.” For anyone familiar with Maddow’s public stance as a vocal advocate for stricter gun control, the irony of this cannot be overstated. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Maddow candidly admitted that despite her firm political views, she does understand the appeal of shooting ranges, describing them as just plain “fun.” It was Susan who invited her to the NRA-sponsored event, a move that was both unconventional and daring for a first date — but one that clearly left a lasting impression.

During the event, the couple engaged in a variety of activities that extended far beyond simple target practice. Aside from shooting, they also tried their hands at archery and even tomahawk throwing. Maddow humorously admitted that when it came to hand-eye coordination, Susan was the clear winner. “Susan has the hand-eye coordination,” Maddow confessed during an interview with Rolling Stone, adding with a laugh, “but I can’t control my movements.” The experience wasn’t just a quirky day of learning how to handle firearms — it was a moment that allowed both of them to step out of their comfort zones together, laying the groundwork for what would become a relationship filled with humor, authenticity, and mutual respect.

But the uniqueness of their first date didn’t stop there. Later that evening, instead of heading to a bar or a cozy café like most couples might, Maddow and Mikula decided to take a walk through a graveyard. This choice, while unconventional and perhaps even a bit eerie, somehow perfectly suited their shared sense of curiosity and offbeat humor. As the two wandered among the 19th-century gravestones, a moment of profound quiet and reflection settled over them. It was during this tranquil, almost otherworldly pause that something completely unexpected happened — Maddow tripped and took a dramatic, sprawling fall right there among the headstones.

For most people, a fall like that might be embarrassing or even date-ruining. But for Susan, it was the exact opposite. She later shared with Rolling Stone that it was in that very moment, watching Rachel’s ungraceful but genuine tumble, that she realized she was falling in love. There was something about the rawness, the lack of pretense, and the sheer humanness of the situation that clicked for her. This wasn’t just another person she was spending an evening with — this was someone special.

Looking back, both Maddow and Mikula have often laughed about how unconventional their first date was. Firearms and headstones aren’t exactly the typical recipe for romance, but for this pair, it was perfect. It highlighted their willingness to embrace the unexpected, to lean into each other’s quirks, and to find joy in experiences that others might find odd or even contradictory. Maddow has joked on her show that this outing was “as close as [she has] ever gotten to the NRA,” a comment that not only shows her self-awareness but also her ability to find humor in the unexpected intersections of life.

What makes their love story resonate with so many people isn’t just the unusual setting of their first date but the authenticity with which they approach their relationship. It’s a testament to the idea that love often grows not from perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy moments but from shared experiences that are genuine, imperfect, and sometimes completely ridiculous. The fact that their relationship began surrounded by the sounds of gunfire and later the silence of a graveyard only makes their bond that much more memorable.

For Maddow and Mikula, their first date was never about finding the “right” place or creating a picture-perfect moment. It was about being open to each other, sharing experiences, and laughing — even when one of them ends up flat on the ground. In the end, their story serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most unlikely beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary relationships.