I can't really remember. I don't think there was a "yes, this is what we're doing moment." Like everything, we sort of fell into it. The first time I saw him was by chance in an elevator, I had an "aha" moment. I was dating someone else at the time though. We were introduced a few months later through a mutual friend. He proposed after a few months, I thought he was joking. We were young undergrads.

About five months into the relationship we moved into our own little apartment. Lots of growing pains, difficulties with the in laws, etc.. But it was a happy relationship. We had fun together. About two years later we were getting ready to graduate. He was a little more hesitant about marriage at this point- I had some issues with his family. His siblings are 8-10 years older than he is and I am 4 years younger than him. I don't think any of them really knew/still know how to welcome someone so young. Often times I felt/feel left out, ignored, and dismissed. He was young as well, and didn't know how to facilitate a better relationship.

Three years into our relationship it was time to graduate, he was in the process of commissioning into the military. It was a shit or get off the pot moment. We decided to get a ring and got engaged in March. We were married in August. When I think about it, I don't really love our engagement story. The first year of marriage was tough. His parents did some things that really hurt, but in the long run worked out for us. He realized the problems his family were causing and started to address them. Since then, it's been smooth sailing. Occasionally, we hit a road bump with family issues, but I'm more secure now. I know he'll have my back. We've been together for ten years. The longer we're together the easier it seems to get.

So yeah, I don't remember when I knew I wanted to marry him. I think I always wanted to marry him, but dating someone with a family who sometimes meddles makes things rough.