When I was in high school, sporting events were a place to go hang out with your friends as well as show some school pride. So it was only right for me to say yes when a friend of mine asked me to tag along with her to a basketball game one Saturday afternoon. At some point during the game, I was hanging out with my friends when, all of a sudden, my focus turned from the court to this adorable shaggy headed boy sitting behind me. I didn’t know this boy from Adam but, from the moment he introduced himself to me and began talking to my friends, the rest was history! I turned and talked to him every chance I could until the game ended. To make a long story short, we ended up exchanging numbers later that night.
When I woke up the next morning I had a text from a random number. Not thinking about last night, I read the message.
“Hey! This is Derek,” it said. “It was cool talking to you last night.”
Can you guess what my reaction was? I totally screamed like a little school girl. I was ecstatic! I can’t remember exactly what I said, but I am sure it was along the lines of: “OMG! Me too. It was so easy to talk to you.” We chatted briefly back and forth throughout the day and that led to several days.
Everything was great between us! We were texting all the time, talking on the phone every night, hanging out outside of school and we even went on a date to see The Woman in Black. A couple of days later, on Valentine’s Day, Derek told me to come over to his house before my game so we could exchange gifts! I was so excited, because I was quickly falling for this boy. He gave me loads of candy, flowers, a stuffed animal, and a card. The card had a cute puppy dog on it and on the inside he wrote: “You should see my face if you don’t go to prom with me!” I quickly glanced at him and he was doing the signature ‘puppy dog pout.’ I re-read it to make sure I wasn’t seeing something I wanted to see. Obviously I said yes! Five days later, after a soccer game he walked me to my car and gave me a kiss and said, “You know you’re my girlfriend right?” My heart melted.
And here we are—four years later! It has not been an easy journey by any means, but it’s been so worth it. When we started college, multiple people told us that it wouldn’t work because we were young. Our love was constantly called “young puppy love.” Young love, maybe. But puppy love? No! Just because we met at a young age does not detest out love. Call me crazy, but there are so many perks of being in love so young!
1. You get extra time with your love
Being in love so young is a blessing! You get what some people never find or find later in life. While most people find their love when in their late 20s or early 30s you find yours almost a decade before. More years to make memories, experience life with one another, and enjoy one another’s company.
2. You always have someone in your corner
Yeah, of course you have your parents and some friends, but it’s different to have your significant other backing you. Your 20s are the start of your roller coaster years. You have some great times, then you have some bad times and then they go back to great times. It’s a cycle! And at the end of every shitty day, you have someone that will be there to let you vent and make you feel better about everything. Having someone you can count on to always be there is a great thing.
3. Monogamy equals reduced risk of STDs
Not saying that all single people are out and about slutting it up, but only having sexual contact with one person it likely to reduce the chances of catching an STD
4. You have someone who will push you to be a better person
This is my personal favorite because I’m so blessed to have this! Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a worry wart and I stress about everything. Anyone who knows my boyfriend knows that he is spontaneous, fun, and goes with the flow. He allows me to enjoy the little things in life and puts a smile on my face. I give him the focus and motivation to be a better man. Through the good times and the bad, it’s definitely always nice to have someone who I can, not only be myself with, but who will challenge me, laugh with me, and encourage me.