Where to begin? If we shared the full, unedited version of our story, it would require popcorn and serious time commitment. No one wants that -- except maybe the popcorn part -- so we'll go with the CliffsNotes edition. If you ask most people, 2020 was a year they would like to forget thanks to a little pandemic that turned life as we know it upside down. A lot changed that year, and our relationship was one of those things!

By June of 2020, we had already been friends for a couple of years. We met in 2018 when I was, unfortunately, dating someone who Jack happened to know as well. Our paths intersected A LOT that first year, and we learned a lot about ourselves and each other. I learned what I DIDN'T want in a relationship, and Jack learned that it bothered him quite a bit watching me get hurt by someone who did not respect me.

Long story short, Jack went all "knight in shining armor" and stood up for me. I saw the light, stood up for myself, and that chapter thankfully ended. What we didn't realize at the time was that we had really just started writing our own story. Our friendship was stronger than ever, but it was another year until we realized that it had become more than that.

June 29, 2020 was the day we finally stopped dancing around each other, and started dancing together. You know how people say that their significant other is their rock or their better half? Well, Jack and I often compare our relationship to flying a kite. He has his feet firmly planted. He checks the wind, holds the line steady, and makes adjustments when needed. He grounds me, keeps me focused, and always gives me a safe place to land. He is my home. I, on the other hand, am the dreamer with my head in the clouds. I see what could be, push him outside his comfort zone, and help both of us climb toward things that once seemed out of reach.

We start on opposite ends of the string. I help draw him out, he helps reel me back in. We meet in the middle, and yet, we go places together that neither of us would go alone. We can't always explain it, but we work... both of us better and stronger versions of ourselves because of the other. Best friends, lovers and the future Mr. and Mrs. Carlson!!!