It is not everyday that you meet a young couple that tells you they have been together since forever. In my case, I am very proud and happy to say that my brother, Gerardo, and his girlfriend Ruthy have been in love for 6 years and lovingly counting. It all began at high school, when Gerardo (or Gerry as she sweetly calls him) saw her for the very first time. It was a new school for a lot of students but, even though he knew most of them, he had never seen this beautiful girl before. I asked how much he remembered about that moment and with a big smile and cute eyes he told me, ”Everything.”
Thankfully for Gerry, when junior year started, they got in the same classroom. He took advantage of that and started talking to her, hanging out with her at free time, and getting to know her in order for them to become “friends” (if you know what I mean). “Yo tenia que empezar a meter mano,” said Gerardo. I feel the need to clarify that, up to this point, a year has passed by since they first met, but he wasn’t anywhere close to giving up on her. He finally built the courage to ask her out, and after nine months of dating, a day like today (February 14), six years ago, he popped the question and they made it official.
When asked how they feel about each other, Ruthy shed tears of joy, “He’s everything to me, just being around him makes me happy, I don’t need gifts or going out to places where you need to spend money; his company is just enough.” So, what is the recipe for keeping the spark alive for so long, you might ask? So did I. They both agree that communication is key, as it helps them trust each other fully and avoid misunderstandings that might translate in conflict later. Their advice to couples? “Become each other’s best friend, have hobbies together, and do not hold each other back in life,” they said. “I’ve loved all these years we’ve spent together, they’ve been the best thanks to him.”
Love has its ways and they both have it perfectly and vividly. I think that’s a combination most couples crave and it makes me really happy to say that they taught me that it is possible to find the person that complements you in every way. Happy Anniversary to our CAAMpus Sweethearts 2016!