Finally, a Happy Beginning

I know, I took quite the Christmas break! And then I tried to get back to this, and had a bit of trouble, but now it's been a few days, so let's hope it sticks this time.

All that to say, I don't think I've told you this story yet, but feel free to tell me if I'm wrong.

I moved out from living with my one roommate when the situation got to stressful for me (she was renting out a few rooms in her house, and roommates were constantly changing. Also, Christian environment and I was trying to break free from that). We're still good friends, but we both agreed that it would be better for me, and for our friendship, if I left. So I moved in with another friend. One who I tried not to have a crush on, because I knew that our friendship was more important.

But I hated being single.

Absolutely loathed it.

So, one day, I'm getting super frustrated with the whole dating idea. I've tried dating apps, I've tried going out to meet people, and it seems everyone who wants to date is mostly interested in one thing: sex. You know, that one thing that I can't handle.

New roommate hears this whole rant. Doesn't really know how to respond. I apologize for expressing such frustration. We move on.

Next day I'm playing video games when they come home from work.

Roommate: Pendragon, can I talk to you?
Me: [notes serious tone of voice, pauses game, puts down laptop] Sure, what's up?
Roommate: About that rant yesterday [(not exact phrasing, but along those lines)] ... would you consider.... us?
Me: [so absolutely excited I'm literally speechless]
Roommate: [panicky]
Me: I'd really like that.

And that's how I started dating my partner.

But that's not where the fun ends. See, we'd been close friends for a number of years. My family knows them. I have a playful, joking nature. I'm not just going to tell people "oh, btw, Roommate and I are dating now." No, I'm going to be as dramatic about it as possible.

So

Dad messages me, asking if I'd like to go see a movie on [insert date here]. I respond "Sorry, can't. I've got a date that night."

Dad messages me later [after the movie date], asking about seeing the same movie the following week. I respond "We could, but I was considering instead inviting you and Mom over for dinner to meet my new partner."

So parents show up. In fact, Dad drives Roommate/Partner home after work.

I pull supper out of the oven, saying "food's ready, shall we eat?"

Parents look confused. Mom says "I thought we were waiting for someone."

I try to look confused, and say "Everyone's here."

They catch on. Much happy excitement ensues. Mom even says "I told Dad this morning, I knew we were coming to meet your new partner, but I wished it was [Roommate]"

Later that night, after parents leave, I call my sister to tell her. I do so within earshot of Partner.

Sister: "So who's the new person?"
Me: "What do you want to know?"
Sister: "Have I met them?"
Me: "I don't keep track of every person you've ever met!" [note: this is true, albeit unrelated from the question]
We continue the conversational dance for about forty-five minutes, until she goes "I think I know who it is!"
Me: "Who?"
Her: "I don't want to say, in case I'm wrong"
Me: "You're not faking me out like this. Just guess and I'll tell you yes or no, no judgement."
Her: "Is it..."
Me: "..."
Her: "[Partner's name]?"
Me: "Yup!"
Her: "Yay!"

Long story short, I'm in the healthiest romantic relationship I've ever been in, and my family (and my partner's family) are all in favour.

And now, because I can't actually deny the fact that I'm a hopeless romantic without lying (much as I'd like to), a couple of my favourite love songs:

At the Beginning (from Anastasia)

So It Goes (covered by Marianas Trench)