Modern Day Romance: My Engagement Story

I had given up on men. Mainly from a list of frogs and a few too many awful dates. Living in Philly, I decided to dedicate myself to building a relationship with myself. This meant checking off any bucket list I wanted, building myself a healthier lifestyle, and building friendships stronger than ever before. My roommates did however feel differently. They built a secret online profile and set up dates with men that I never knew existed. Vetting through the sea of them, they marketed me as a modern day Martha Stewart who loved crock-pots and playing on swing sets. How anyone could see past the absurd statements written on that site will forever blow my mind.

I received a random text message and the truth came out. Terrified I was starting something that would end me up on a milk carton, I made Jerry pick a location for dinner. I secretly judged him for every decision he made and made sure that he knew there was big expectations. I circled the block multiple times the day of before ultimately deciding that at all else failing and a quick call to my best friend; I'd get a free dinner and a good laugh. He'd picked Continental Midtown in Philly because: they have swing seats. The kid thought he'd done his homework although I'd known nothing about the description he had of me. For future reviews- the drinks were on point and above all else, we had a good laugh.

Conversation seemed to last for hours and we both felt as though we'd known each other for years. It felt more like I was catching up with an old friend who knew my soul (and it didn't hurt that he gave me butterflies anytime he looked at me!) After finishing dinner, I'd decided at a minimum he wasn't a serial killer. I let him drive me home. And mildly agreed after his love for country music that we'd hang out afterwards even though I had work early the next morning. My decision making criteria was at an ultimate high as you can tell.

Making up an excuse that he needed to use my bathroom; we went into my apartment and I made a quick change into my sports shorts, sneakers, and sweatshirt. Apparently this stole his heart as I later learned- I wasn't just a girl that dressed up; but, a lover of adventure and sports. While for me- this seemed much more appropriate than leather leggings and riding boots.

We walked to the nearby park and swang on the swings talking for hours longer. Walking back to my apartment, I knew he was the one for me. He made me feel safe and special. Something I felt only fairy tales were made of.

Weeks turned into months and we moved in together. Visiting our families for the weekend, he'd set up a walk down memory lane at the same restaurant as we'd previously gone on our first date. Looking at the photos, I was in mild shock knowing his funny actions must have ment something and awkward glances at his watch couldn't just be a strange tick. We left and headed towards our old stomping ground; the park. Sitting on the swings amongst all the other kids in the park, we laughed at our luck and our love. It was total fate that had brought us together and throughout it all- we'd always been there for each other as best friends. He was my partner. And in such a chaotic life; he let me be wild and gave my heart a home.

Walking over to a small seat on the playground, he asked me the three simple questions he'd inquired when we first became official girlfriend and boyfriend. I had always been sarcastic in serious situations and this seemed to be the perfect moment with nearly 50 kids running around us playing tag or basketball.

Was I seeing anyone else? Yes.

Do I like him? Maybe.

And lastly, getting down on one knee, would I be his wife? Tears in eyes, I'm pretty sure that I screamed Yes!

We made the usual calls to our families and headed over to my best friends house to celebrate his move in. Walking up to the door, he saw my ring and we hugged in excitement. I walked up the stairs thinking I was about to celebrate with strangers and walked into my dream celebration. Jerry had brought my friends from around the country to scream, shout, and celebrate in love with me.

I have never been surprised in my life and am everyone's worst nightmare in trying to plan it. But that moment, that moment and look from my best friends in the world and my future husband will forever be ingrained in my head. My life will never be the same with this man by my side and my proposal will always be the most magical night I could've ever imagined. It was filled with so much love, happiness, and excitement for the future especially knowing that I will never swing alone with Jerry by my side.

#EngagementStory #Love #Romance