You’ve asked me about how I met your dad and if it was like the classic tales where the prince finds his princess and they live happily ever after. I wish I could say it was like that. I’d love to tell you how he swept me off my feet, and we roamed the world enjoying champagne and thrilling adventures in faraway places. I’d imagine him proposing in Paris after a romantic sunset stroll, tears of joy streaming down my face as we embraced for hours, then returning to our fabulous hotel for a night of passion (don’t worry, I’ll explain what that means when you’re older).
But the reality is, we met online, and he popped the question while we were watching a rerun of The Simpsons.
A New Beginning
It was a year after I moved to London. I was about to wrap up my studies, feeling lost and lonely in a new city, having just come out of a divorce. At 31, I decided to give online dating a shot for the first time. It was a bizarre journey, starting out awkward and funny (chatting with people I had nothing in common with felt strange), and quickly turning frustrating. I canceled my membership after a month, putting that experience behind me.
The Online Dating Experience
During that month, I encountered four different guys. There was the “hunk” whose picture was clearly outdated, and when we met, I realized time hadn’t been kind to him. Then there was the overly sensitive guy who couldn’t stop talking about his mother during our date, which was less charming than I’d hoped. I also met a funny guy who was witty online but silent in person, leaving us in an awkward silence over sushi.
And then there was Tom, your dad. He was a quirky guy, and I wasn’t even interested in him at first. He messaged me just as I was about to end my membership, and for some odd reason (maybe fate?), I decided to add him on Facebook, which I never did. We didn’t meet initially, but he eventually reached out again months later, asking what I was up to.
A Surprising Connection
I was preparing for my showcase performance after finishing my acting course and briefly shared that with him. He surprised me by asking to attend, and it turned out he was a talent agent! I had assumed he was just another guy.
After I googled him, everything changed. Suddenly, I was the one eager to meet him, thinking he could represent me. We arranged to meet at a popular comedy club, and I was a bundle of nerves, hoping to make a good impression. I even rehearsed a dramatic monologue—so embarrassing, I know!
When I finally saw him, he looked sharp in a suit, and I thought, wow, I might have misjudged him. He even knocked over a bottle of wine, which made him feel more relatable. Our meeting went well, and I was charming (thankfully, he never asked me to perform).
The Proposal
Later that day, he called and said, “I really like you. I don’t want to represent you because I don’t date my clients. Let’s go out.” I said yes.
What followed wasn’t a whirlwind romance, but rather a comfortable, suburban joy. We spent evenings watching TV, sharing ice cream in bed, and bickering over chores. Then, a year later, while we were lounging on the couch watching The Simpsons, he proposed.
Real Love
Fast forward nearly eight years, three kids in two years, and a lot of ups and downs, and I can say that while our marriage isn’t perfect, there’s a bond stronger than any fairytale “happily ever after” that keeps us connected.
Despite his snoring, his tendency to take ages in the bathroom, or how he leaves his stuff everywhere, he’s my lovable pain in the neck. He’s the unexpected love of my life, the father of our children, and my best friend. I’ve often wondered what I did to deserve such kindness and humility after dating the “wrong” guys. Meeting him felt like finally finding home.
So, to answer your question: No, it wasn’t a fairytale. It was real—imperfect, messy, and beautiful. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination or explore how to start your journey with home insemination kits. And if you have questions, feel free to reach out here.
Conclusion
In summary, love doesn’t always mirror the fairytales we grow up hearing about. Often, it’s about the real moments, the laughter, and the challenges that create a lasting bond.