Ok how about a breakup stories then?
Okay, those are more reasonable rules of engagement...
Yes - up until two years ago, I and everyone who knew us believed that we had 'the dream love-story.'
I met my wife (soon to be Ex) on a blind date when I was a young single dashing Captain in the USMC...
I had come to Washington DC for a long weekend to visit my brother and sister-in-law and to run the Marine Corps Marathon.
My sister-in-law insisted on going out on a double-date to introduce us on a double date... Neither of us were really looking to meet someone; but agreed...
We met and if there was ever a belief in 'love at first sight scenario' this was it... We had an immediate chemistry (she a captivating smile, and stunningly attractive young woman) and within the first hour or two (we had a lot of time to interact waiting for brother and sis-in-law) it was evident that we were just smitten for each other...
We spent as much time together as possible over these three days getting to know as much as possible about each other (blind-date; pre-marathon carb party; marathon; post-marathon massage; evening relaxing watching college football).
On my last day in DC - my quick risk assessment determined that I had two choices: A) tell her how I feel about her or B) risk never seeing her again... In my mind, I was convinced that she was the one, not wanting to risk (B) I decided to go for (A) in a way that was bound to sweep her off of her feet...
After three days - I told her that I loved her - and I asked her to marry me...
and I was completely taken by her response...
While she didn't exactly say yes - I focused upon the fact that she didn't say no either...
Her response was rather straightforward IMHO: "what, pause, when are you talking about?"
I saw this as my window of opportunity and ran with it...
We began a long-distance relationship - where I committed to writing her a letter every single day until I would see her again... and repeat until we were engaged and repeat until we were married...
I ultimately, came back in uniform to seek her parents permission for her hand in marriage...
We had a 1.5 year engagement and spent a total of 45 days in face-to-face dates etc before we were married.
We had three wonder amazingly talented kids... My daughter who happens to be a triple threat (singer, actor, dancer) used our love-story as one of her in-class skits and all her friends were simply amazed at our love story...
IMHO we were happily married for 27 years...
Unfortunately, best laid plans... My wife decided that she was not happy, and left our marriage two years ago (both emotionally and physically). The harder I tried to save the marriage - the more she resisted and pushed away even more...
I've prayed on this and have given it all to the Lord...
Recognizing that it was never my plan to begin with (my plan fell apart); it is and always has been HIS master plan... I'm convinced that everything happens for a reason, and I believe that I am coming at peace with the inevitable outcome...
In hindsight, I recognize the weight of the burdens that she carries upon her shoulders, many of which have manifested since her childhood and throughout our marriage...
While I was bound and determined to make this marriage work no matter what - I've come to realize that I have been missing reciprocal compassion and unconditional love... Hence, I am excited with the faith that he has great plans for me along my future journey...