Relationship Status: In a Relationship with ...

They say you will are only ready for a relationship when you are comfortable with yourself. God will send someone your way when you have come to terms with not needing a man, not needing to be in a relationship, being able to take care of yourself, and be okay with it. I always held onto that. I always believed that. 

Last year a majority of my friends were engaged, knocked up, or in a serious relationship. It didn't sadden me in the least to be the single girl. I was enjoying my first year at a University, my first year living alone, my first year drinking- doing the party thing. It was a year of firsts for me, as the last four years have been since graduation. I truly started to feel like an adult. I was learning and changing and maturing, and like I have stated in previous posts, I wasn't ready to be in a relationship. I was too focused on me. At some point I stopped questioning why God had not led me to caring man. I truly became comfortable with that fact that I could take care of myself, enjoy my life, and function with out a man by my side. I was enjoying life. 

My best friend, Abby, decided to have a BBQ in the beginning of August. Originally I was suppose to be out of town, but after a series of events, it ended up that I was not only going to be in the area, but was free to attend her BBQ. There was a large amount of people I knew and loved that were going to be attending the BBQ so I was looking forward to an afternoon and night of fun with my friends. There was a few people there that I knew  of, but didn't really know. Of course once the alcohol started flowing I became more open to talking to most of them. 

There was one guy there, Brandon, who was good friends with my friend, Katie. She knew him for years. I had seen him at a few mutual events but never really talked to him. This night however, we did. Even after everyone fell asleep we stayed up talking and laughing ... so much laughing. 

One of the funniest stories was he owned a huge phone that we called the tablet. After a few too many shots he thought he lost his phone. I called it a few times to see if we could see it light up in the yard in the dark. Turns out it was in his pocket the entire time... more laughter. Maybe a sly move to get my number? I'll never know...

The next day I texted him to ask how he was feeling ... a little sarcasm I like to throw out there when I feel like a million bucks and I know others don't... even more laughing! 

We ended up texting all day ... and the next ... and the day after that. At some point I started to get a hunch that this wasn't just friends talking to friends ... I sensed something more. But I was pretty unaware of most cues and inexperienced in the flirting field. I went to our mutual friend, Katie. I said to her ... and I quote ... "Brandon has been talking to me a lot ... what do you think that means" Katie: "It means he's lonely ... He talks to me all the time too" ... my heart sunk at the thought of me reading it wrong and possibly putting myself out there. 

Katie, being the girl that she is, called Brandon one morning to question his texting with me ... and from there it became very obvious that I was right... and Katie was wrong :) 

I guess the rest is "history" as they say. We continued to get to know each other. Katie was a huge supporter to the both of us. 

On Wednesday, August 13th, I met him at a bar in Gilberts, where he lives. We had a few beers and just talked. On Saturday, August 16th, we attended the annual car show on the Woodstock Square with Katie, Tony, Nikki, Abby and the family. My grandparents were there and met him, not even knowing he may be more than a friend... a lot of people that I grew up with were there. I introduced I'm as "Brandon" and that was it. I think that some people caught on ... others didn't. 

From that night forward I have been able to call Brandon Rapp my boyfriend. At some point I met his family, he met mine. I met his daughter. Each day we get to know each other a little bit more. 

One of the things I love the most about it all, is that it is easy. There is no pressure, no need to change things, no worries. We are both accepting and understanding, and willing to learn and grow together ... but mostly, laugh. Always laugh. 

There of course has been some bumps in the road, but just bumps. No hills or mountains. Just minor things that we have come to learn. And for a three month old relationship thats good. Thats what is meant to be. We don't need any big challenges right now, any big testing moments. We are having fun, enjoying each other's company, experiencing "firsts". No big choices need to be made yet, no big obstacles need to be conquered yet. We are taking each day at time. 

Looking back on how it all happen, it seems so fast. So rushed. But it never felt like that. It always felt like it was in good timing. And that's what is important. Not meeting anyone else's terms or conditions for us but our own. Doing things when we feel it is right. 

I am so thankful for my friends that have supported me and have given me advice when I felt completely lost in this relationship world. I am so thankful to call Brandon my boyfriend, he is an understanding, hard working, accepting, caring, giving man ... so much more then that too... 

I praise God for the things going on in my life right now. I ask Him for guidance and console. I am excited for the things ahead for Brandon & I ... and I pray that no matter what happens we always just continue to laugh.