A Very Special Blog Post

It's going to be really, really hard to condense eight or nine years into a blog post. I'll do my best.

Matt and I met in 2004 as freshmen at Stetson University. We hung out that year, but I was dating a friend of his and just considered him one of the many guys in my social clique at the time. When we went home for summer vacation, we realized we lived within 15 minutes of each other. Small world!

Not long after summer break ended, my boyfriend and I mutually split. He was going to come to a formal my sorority was having anyway, but came down with some hospital-worthy food poisoning; he urged Matt to go in his place.

I can feel you judging our fashion choices. This was a long time ago, okay?

I know it's cliche and corny to admit, but when we shared our first slow dance, I really did feel a spark of electricity go down my spine. I just knew I'd found something real.

We continued to hang out, but this was nothing different than before. Matt's friends were my friends, and it wasn't unusual for us to be spending time together in that setting. But then winter break rolled around, and we found ourselves back in our hometown and basically inseparable.

Busch Gardens, circa 2006

Our relationship had its ups and downs, like all do. But Matt and I have always known how to talk to each other. There's nothing we can't get through.

The remainder of college saw us break up, reconcile, travel abroad, break up, reconcile, and confess our undying love. We experienced long-distance dating the year I went to grad school, when Matt took a job in Indiana. If anything, it taught us that we wanted to be together permanently. We both learned to grow as our own people and together, to make compromises, to support each other, to expand our interests, and to become good listeners.

In Glasgow, Scotland in the winter of 2007.

I couldn't ask for anyone better suited to me. Matt makes me laugh every day, knows how to sit quietly and listen when I'm having a breakdown, brings me back to earth when I'm going a little crazy, thinks I'm a great cook, runs with me when it's dark, wakes up at ridiculous hours to cheer me on at races, urges me to take risks and go on adventures, and is the best hugger I know.

Relay for Life 2008

It was Matt who bought me my first iPod for running, my shoes, and encouraged me to keep at it. I don't know if I'd be a runner if not for him, which is funny, because while he races with me any distance up to a 10k, he's not really a "runner".

Sticking together during an 8k

Up before the sun to cheer me on at the Women's Half last year.

On July 10, 2010, we made it official. These last three years have been rewarding beyond explanation.

Our first moments as a married couple.

 Marriage is hard work, sometimes, but I'm grateful everyday for Matt. Life is a lot more enjoyable with him in it!

Our first dance.

 I feel like I've known him my entire life...He's my rock, the perfect complement to my neurotic self, and my best friend.

I can't imagine my life without him, and every year I look forward to the next.

I have my parents to thank (in part) for Matt's and my strong marriage. After all, they taught me what to look for in a good partner, and showed me what a healthy marriage looks like.

They're celebrating 33 years just two days after we celebrate our 3rd. I've learned from their marriage to enjoy your own pastimes, but make sure you nurture the things you have in common and what brought you together.

Mom with her parents and siblings...and dad, doing a great job of blending.

They've taught me that humor, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and staying active help solidify a bond. They've taught me that taking a weekend with your friends - and leaving the ol' ball and chain at home - is totally allowed, and even encouraged.

Dancing at our wedding in 2010.

They've taught me that no matter what gets in the way, you stick together, and you make it through...with love, laughter, and some off-color fart jokes.

So, here's to us, and here's to them.

How did you meet your SO?
Who do you look to as an example of a strong relationship?
How do your loved ones encourage you to follow your dreams?

ABK