My partner and I recently celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary, and as I reflect on our journey, it feels both extraordinary and perfectly ordinary. We met over 16 years ago on a sweltering August day during our law school orientation. While the shorter version of our story might sound mundane—filled with awkward phone calls, the occasional burrito run, too many cosmos, a late-night drive in a hatchback, and some debate over what our actual first date was—the longer version is sprinkled with the charm of shared experiences that only we find remarkable.
I could tell you it was love at first sight, filled with magical moments and hashtags like #soblessed, but that wouldn’t be accurate. Each time I see that tag used, I can’t help but cringe a bit. Our love story is, in many ways, just like anyone else’s—two people who met, dated, fell in love, and eventually decided they were meant to be together. He’s the one I want to argue with about everything from remote controls to credit cards and yes, even snoring. He’s my partner in life, the one I want to share everything with.
Like many couples, we met in our early 20s, and although we thought we had it all figured out, looking back, we were incredibly naive. We were adventurous, a bit reckless, and definitely enjoyed our fair share of fun. Paul Valery once said, “Love is being stupid together,” and we certainly embraced that—sometimes a bit too much. Over time, we’ve matured and our relationship has deepened. We still adore each other, but now it’s more grounded, with a touch of exhaustion that comes with adulting.
As the years roll on, we find ourselves approaching that pivotal point in our relationship where we’ve spent more time together than apart. With each passing year, we realize that the best parts of our bond stem from not just love, but also from friendship, teamwork, and a shared understanding forged through life’s ups and downs. We’re there for each other—supporting one another as we navigate life, even if it means throwing playful jabs when no one’s looking.
One of the most beautiful aspects of finding your life partner at a young age is that you not only grow older together but also mature together. Throughout our wild and impulsive 20s—filled with passion and a few regrettable choices—we laid the groundwork for our lives in our 30s, which have been marked by growth and a bit more wisdom.
As I stand on the cusp of another decade, I’m not sure what challenges or joys lie ahead. But I do know one thing: there’s no one else I’d rather face the future with than him. That, in essence, is what marriage is about—growing up, growing old, and embracing those moments of foolishness together.
Marriage is knowing you have a partner who makes the journey worthwhile. And let’s be clear—we’re not old yet!
If you found this reflection relatable, you might enjoy exploring more about relationships and family planning at this blog. For reliable information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out CDC’s resources. If you’re delving into family planning, Make a Mom is a great authority on the subject.
Summary
Meeting your partner in your 20s can lead to a unique experience of growing together through life’s ups and downs. From youthful mistakes to a deep, enduring connection, the journey of partnership evolves beautifully over time, allowing couples to support and cherish one another through all of life’s changes.