Three months ago, Derek and I moved in together. In the midst of a pandemic, losing my job, working on listing my house – we decided, sure let’s move in together too! We were told that if we could make it through all this, we can make it through anything. And I believe it.
I was trepidatious before the move, having been warned that moving in together can make or break a relationship, wondering if we would argue for days and worried about if my already skimmed down wardrobe would fit in our new shared closet space. Now, while I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my caution, I didn’t have anything to worry about.
Derek is strong, stable and made up of more patience than I can even imagine. From literally day one of this new adventure, he’s been understanding and supportive when my emotions have completely fallen apart and believe me – they’ve fallen apart. I was reflecting on this the other day with a friend, sharing that Derek has just taken it in stride when I’ve started crying for inexplicable reasons, decided to ask 100 questions about organizing the kitchen or a whole host of other things.
In the last week, we’ve hosted a couple of friends and their 3-year-old as well as hosting our parents and Derek’s sister’s family for Father’s Day. Even though he didn’t feel well, Derek took Wyatt on tractor rides and listened intently to his stories and this weekend we prepared a meal and truly enjoyed the time we were able to spend visiting with our favorite people.
My mom always told me that over time, I would find myself loving Derek more. I didn’t think this was possible because, man I’m sweet on him. But I’ve realized that she was absolutely right. Many times in the last nearly two years we’ve been together – in the last three months we’ve lived together – and even in just the last three days…I don’t love him as much as I used to. But I love him more.
So even though we don’t agree on whether or not the Kleenex box should be on the coffee table, while I put a twistie tie on the bread bag and he doesn’t and even if he definitely steals the covers, life with him is my favorite. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
