Hey there, kids! Let’s chat about love stories. Just remember: not every true love story is a fairytale.
You’ve asked how I met your dad and if it was like a fairytale where a prince finds his princess, and they ride off into the sunset together. I wish I could spin you a tale like that, where he whisked me away, we sipped champagne in beautiful settings, and he proposed to me under the Eiffel Tower. But the reality is a bit different.
We actually met online, and his proposal happened while we were watching a rerun of The Simpsons. It was just a year after I had settled in London, finishing up my studies and trying to navigate life post-divorce. At 31, feeling a bit lost and lonely, I decided to dip my toes into online dating for the very first time.
Let me tell you, the experience was a mixed bag. It started off as amusing but quickly became awkward and then downright frustrating, leading me to cancel my membership after just one month. During that time, I encountered four different guys.
The Awkward Encounters
First, there was the “hunk” whose photo was clearly outdated, and meeting him in person was like a slap of reality. Then, there was the guy who kept praising his mom’s cooking during our date—awkward much? Next came the witty guy who, in person, was as silent as a mime. All the charm vanished in real-time.
And then there was your father, who promptly caught my attention even before I realized it. He messaged me right as I was about to end my membership, and for reasons I can’t explain, I added him on Facebook—something I’d never normally do. We didn’t meet at first, as I wasn’t too interested, but a few months later, he reached out again.
I was preparing for a showcase performance after finishing my acting course, and when he asked to come see it, I thought he was a bit clueless since showcases are typically closed to the public. But, as it turned out, he was a talent agent himself!
After a quick Google search, I found myself wanting to meet him in person, hoping he might represent me. When we finally met at a comedy club, I was a bundle of nerves, armed with my acting CV, dressed to impress, and even ready with a monologue just in case. But when I saw him, I thought, “Wow, he’s actually cute!”
The meeting went smoothly, and thankfully, he didn’t ask me to perform. Later that night, I figured it was a shame he was an agent because he seemed really nice. Then, the next day, he called, saying he liked me and wanted to date, not represent me. And I said yes!
A Love Story in the Ordinary
Our love story wasn’t filled with dramatic highs or whirlwind adventures. It was more about cozy nights in, binge-watching TV, and sharing ice cream in bed, along with the everyday squabbles over chores. A year later, he proposed on a regular Sunday evening while we were on the sofa watching The Simpsons. Perfectly ordinary, yet special.
Fast forward nearly eight years, and despite the chaos of raising three kids in two years and all the ups and downs that come with it, I can honestly say that what we share is more profound than any fairytale ending. Even with his snoring and other quirks, he’s my partner in crime, my best friend, and the love of my life.
So, to answer your question, it wasn’t a fairytale. It was just real life, filled with its own kind of magic. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
And that’s how I met your dad.
Summary
Love stories can be far from fairytales, as illustrated by the real-life romance between the author and her husband. Their journey began with online dating, awkward encounters, and culminated in a genuine connection that blossomed despite the chaos of everyday life. Ultimately, it’s about finding joy in the ordinary moments together.
Keyphrase
true love stories
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