Hey Kids,
I want to share with you how I met your dad, and it’s definitely not the fairytale you might expect. You might envision a charming prince sweeping me off my feet, whisking me away on romantic adventures filled with laughter and joy. I wish I could say that’s how it happened—that we strolled through Paris, he proposed at sunset, and we spent endless nights wrapped in each other’s arms (but don’t worry, I’ll explain that part later).
The reality is a bit more down-to-earth. We met online, and his proposal came while we were watching a rerun of a popular animated show.
A New Beginning
Let’s rewind a bit. A year after moving to London, I was nearing the end of my studies and feeling lost after my divorce. At 31, I decided to try online dating for the first time, which was a strange journey. Initially, it was amusing and awkward, chatting with people I had little in common with, but that quickly turned frustrating. I ended up canceling my membership after a month.
During that month, I encountered four guys. One had a stunning photo from a decade ago, but in person, he looked very different. Another was overly focused on his mother, which became a major talking point that left me unimpressed. Then there was the witty guy who, in person, barely spoke, leaving me to wonder if he had even written those clever messages.
And finally, there was Ethan, your dad. I wasn’t particularly interested in him based on his profile, but as my membership was about to expire, I made an unusual decision to add him on Facebook. We didn’t initially meet up, and I forgot about him while navigating my single life.
The Unexpected Connection
Months later, he reached out to me on Facebook, asking about my upcoming showcase performance from my acting course. I thought it was odd that he wanted to attend since showcases are typically private events for industry professionals. But it turned out he was a talent agent, so I decided to look him up, and suddenly, I was the one eager to meet him.
We arranged to meet at a well-known comedy club. I was nervous and brought along my acting CV and headshots, which I realize now was a bit much. I dressed professionally, hoping to make a good impression. When he arrived, I was pleasantly surprised; he looked quite handsome. My nerves eased when he accidentally knocked over a bottle of wine with his overcoat, showing a charming clumsiness I appreciated.
The Start of Our Journey
Our meeting went surprisingly well. I was on my best behavior, and thankfully, he didn’t ask me to perform anything. After saying goodbye, I thought he was a nice guy but lamented his profession as an agent. The next day, he called and said he wanted to date me instead of representing me. I said “yes,” and that was the start of our journey together.
It hasn’t been a whirlwind romance; rather, it’s been a comfortable routine filled with TV nights, shared meals, and the occasional squabble over chores. A year later, he proposed while we were lounging on the sofa, watching TV.
Our Life Together
Fast forward nearly eight years, three children, and countless memories later, our relationship has weathered many ups and downs. Though our love has faced challenges amidst daily life, there’s an undeniable bond that draws us back together. Even though he can be a bit annoying at times—snoring, taking too long in the bathroom, or leaving his stuff everywhere—I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He’s not only the love of my life but also my best friend.
So, to answer your question: No, it wasn’t a fairytale. It was real, messy, and beautiful in its own way, and that’s how I met your dad.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about family journeys, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Additionally, if you’re interested in the topic of insemination, you can find great resources at Make a Mom and ASRM.
Summary
The story of how I met your dad wasn’t a glamorous fairytale but rather a real-life journey filled with unexpected twists and a gradual deepening of love. Through online dating mishaps and a serendipitous meeting, we found each other and built a life together, filled with both challenges and joys.