Where do I even begin?
I feel like I’ve been planning this one year post since our second date, but now that I am on a time crunch to write it and have a year full of memories stored in my head, I am having a difficult time trying to properly examine this chapter of my life eloquently, humorously, and honestly.
2015 gave me a year of firsts: trying African cuisine, living on my own, showering daily, and of course, being in a relationship.
This past year, I have tried to write from the heart about each month of my relationship, from the exciting new challenges I faced to the sometimes demanding and strenuous aspects of dating someone new.
I discussed – maybe in too much detail – how I made the adjustment from being single and free to learning to be dependent on someone else. I reviewed the things I have in common with my boyfriend and of course, the things we do not have in common (I love 30 Rock and his favorite show is Will & Grace...) I spoke about each holiday and birthday we celebrated, each trip and weekend getaway we took, and the fact that I rode the Staten Island Ferry more times than I’d like to remember.
This year I learned how to put someone first. To understand their feelings and thoughts, what they like, what they don’t like, what makes them happy and unfortunately what makes them upset. From spending so much time with my boyfriend, I not only got a chance to understand him, I also got the opportunity to fully discover who I am as a person and as a partner. And I'm sure I can speak for my boyfriend and say that I am extremely perfect.
I always knew that I was difficult at times (and I’m sure my friends and family would be the first to agree). I am essentially an only child who has been single for 28 years so I never had to share and I never had anyone depending on me. I was free to do exactly what I wanted – anytime I wanted. While at the time I thought it was the greatest thing in the world, looking back on my life now, I realize just how lonely I was.
But then, everything changed.
One year ago, after going on some of the worst dates of my life, I was lost and confused. I was so aggravated and disheartened that I would never find someone who understood me completely, someone who could make me laugh, and most importantly, someone who constantly wanted to be around me.
One year ago, I took a chance on a right-swipe from Tinder and met him out at a bar for a first date, thinking this would just be another night I would get drunk in a stranger’s company and cry on the R train.
One year ago, I felt something I'd never felt before.
One year ago, I met the greatest guy in the world.
One year ago, I fell in love.
It didn’t happen over night and it wasn’t something out of a fairy tale. It wasn’t perfect or easy some days. It wasn’t laughs and hugs and chicken nuggets the entire time. But it is our story, and I wouldn’t change a single word.
Thank you for a wonderful year. I love you.
Growing up as an only child was amazing. I loved not having someone to share things with. But now there are a few minor qualities I never really had to learn until I got into a relationship: to compromise.
My boyfriend and I have been together for a full 90 days, and in most scenarios when you are trying to get used to or adjust to something, many experts say 90 days is all it takes.
EXPLORE
I have never said, “I love you” to someone that wasn’t a family member, friend, or Red Lobster employee. It’s not that I was afraid to; it’s just that I never really felt that way for someone.
On January 8th, I went on what seems like my thirtieth Tinder date. Like the preceding 29 other dates, we met up at a bar for a few quick drinks during happy hour.
ONE YEAR AGO
WHAT I'VE LEARNED FROM BEING IN A RELATIONSHIP FOR ONE YEAR
Check Out Other Posts from My Relationship:
I thought the first month was going to be the hardest because it was something so different and new, but as it turns out, maintaining a relationship is hard work and it doesn’t stop after 30 days.