A year and a half ago I was released from a toxic relationship of 3 years. My then boyfriend refused to lift a finger to help me (or his own mom) with anything (even though we both worked and went to school all day). He neglected me, and treated me like shit when I had a miscarriage. He ended up cheating on me & leaving me for the other woman. My main thought throughout the relationship was "at least he's not physically abusive" (my last 2 prior relationships we're physically abusive).

This time last year I was at my lowest point, in mourning, and trying to find my own inner happiness, and let me tell you what happened the moment I did.

I met the man I'm going to marry.

I almost didn't give him a chance, I was happy with where I was and what I was doing, single & in school, but I'd found an inner peace, and wasn't looking to fill a void anymore. But he was persistent, and funny, and sweet, and captivating.

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once." -John Green, The Fault in our Stars.

So I'm 8 weeks pregnant now (an accident, but a happy one) and I did not expect the exhaustion I'd be hit with. I barely have energy to feed myself & the dog most days, let alone shower or clean anything. About twice a week I get a burst of energy (usually caffeine-aided, within safe limits of course) and can do some of what needs to be done around the apartment.

My fiance works 9-12 hours (it varies depending on what they need to get some) and every night he comes home, he helps me shower with him, cooks dinner for us, takes the dog out, and anything else that still needs to get done that day (like loading the dishwasher or taking out the trash).

Words can't describe how amazing he is, or how happy I am every day with him. That's not to say we're perfect, because we aren't, but we work on everything together, and always remind each other how much we love one another.

Moral of this story: be patient, love yourself, the rest will follow (maybe faster than you expect 😂) And remember that when love comes knocking, answer the door ❤️