OUR STORY
THE BEGINNING
Middle School
Before we were ever lovers, we were friends. Richard, and Trey, his best man, were the first friends I ever made in the 6th grade. Middle school was an exceptionally challenging time for me, grappling with difficulties in my home life, church, and even at school where I faced bullying. During those 6th and 7th grade years, I often confided in Richard, seeking his advice and comfort. It's why we became such good friends. We didn't know it at the time, but this event would set the stage for life-long friendship, and eventually, love. We spent the next two years hanging out and playing videogames until we were all forced to separate during a middle school merge.
THE REUNION
High School
Richard and Trey had actually kept in contact after middle school, but I was the one who had fallen out of touch due to the separation. As fate would have it, one afternoon during my freshman year of high school, coming home from an event Downtown, I saw them in passing walking and talking excitedly. I couldn't say anything at the time, but my excitement pushed me to ask my parents if I could finally have a Facebook account—this way, I could reconnect with them.
THE TURNING POINT
High School
In high school, during a casual chat between Richard and Trey, Trey playfully suggested that maybe Richard and I should actually try being a couple, given how long we'd been friends. Richard didn't jump on the idea right away, though. He’d always seen me as a genuine friend, no ulterior motives, and I felt the same about him – he was just a great guy who I genuinely enjoyed being around.
But then, one night, I found myself confiding in Richard about a troubling situation, just like I used to do all those years ago in middle school. Through my tears, he listened and offered such heartfelt encouragement. As I took in his words, I realized… maybe there was something more there. It felt like there was a deeper love behind his comfort. After that exchange, feeling a little better, I found myself asking if he had feelings for me.
He confessed that Trey's playful nudge had made him think, and after that conversation with me, he realized he actually was starting to feel a connection. He’d taken some time to really consider it, and realized he genuinely felt something. And for me, after more thought, I decided, why not take a shot? He was always there for me, always listened when I felt unheard, and he was genuinely one of the kindest men I knew.
So, he asked if we could "try" a relationship, and we agreed to a first date. Legend has it we've been "trying" this relationship ever since (which, by the way, has been):
Engaged
As Lovers
As Friends
5 Years
11 Years
16 Years
