I met my now-husband at a party I didn't plan on going to when I was 20. I'd just recently gotten out of a long term, terribly toxic relationship that lasted the better half of my teen years (it ended with us both in jail. Terribly toxic.) I had promised myself I wouldn't even casually date anyone for at least a few years, but then I met him.
I told him all about my history and how I crazy I was about him but I didn't feel ready to date anyone (possibly ever again) and his response was "I'll wait as long as it takes because I'm going to marry you one day."
Anyways, we became close friends and I kept falling harder and harder. It got more apparent over the next while that this was nearly a too-good-to-be-true connection and we just... worked. He proposed 2 months into our relationship. I was only 20 (and he 26) but I said yes without a moment of hesitation. This was (and is) without question... THE guy. I would be insane go let him go.
We married when I was a week shy of 23.
We'll be celebrating our third wedding anniversary this fall. I'm tearing up writing this and I know it sounds so cliche and cheesy but... he is my soulmate, best friend, biggest supporter and the best man I've ever known. His wonderful tight-knit family accepted me as one of their own instantly. It felt foreign for a long time to be in a healthy, happy relationship. I didn't have examples of this growing up (quite the opposite) and it was just so.. strange at first.
Our story gets a little crazier - as I mentioned, my last relationship ended with us both in jail (violent fight that got out of hand. I only did 5 days but he did months). With my history (terrible upbringing mixed with poor choices as a teenager) I was facing an additional year in for my charges. I was still dealing with court and the mess/aftermath my exrelationship had left me. His lawyer father insisted on helping me (I was so ashamed and embarrassed to even tell his dad about what had happened - who the hell wants a potential daughter in law like that?) but ultimately I let him. All charges were dropped within a matter of weeks. His dad/family never once judged me. They saw me as a good person who had been in a bad situation but who was trying to be better.
He and his family - or should I say OUR family :') - have stood by me through my darkest days from the aftermath of stupid decisions to the death of 2 of my 3 parents, endless life changes... they have been there. Lovingly supporting me and being the greatest family I've ever known.
We bought our first home 2 years ago, have happy careers, 2 lovely pet rabbits and a very bright looking future. I couldn't be happier.