’General opinion is starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there… If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around…’
-Hugh Grant as ‘The Prime Minister’
Love, Actually
❤❤❤
The media is absolutely plagued with a seemingly endless spiel of downright dreary content.
If it’s not Covid it’s the effects of climate change, and if it’s not climate change it’s the perplexing matter of Boris Johnson’s hair. Try as we might to ignore it, it seems that over the past 12 months we have literally had our faces rubbed in the prospect of every possible stress, strain and worry out there.
Get the vaccine or your lungs will end up resembling the underside of E.T’s heel.
Oh - but don’t get the vaccine because you might spout a tail or end up being transformed into a worm.
Recycle EVERYTHING or YOU will PERSONALLY be held responsible for the planet’s impending firery death.
But BTW, you can’t recycle pizza boxes or you will, again, be the sole cause of deforestation.
Don’t bother wearing a mask anymore, but please continue to meet outside on rainy -29 degree days because while you’ll quite possibly end up with hypothermia, you’re much less likely to spread Covid.
P.S: Have a good Christmas, but DON’T have a good Christmas…
Where’s all the good news at?! Last month, M&S launched their Halloween range which included VAMPIRE CRUMPETS. Yeah, didn’t see that particular delight make the BBC Top Ten, did we?!
Another staple of joy that the media conveniently ‘forgot’ to bless us with was the invention of Marmite Ale. I had to rely on my fellow Marmite worshipper Abbie to enlighten me on this marvellous yeasty hearsay. I mean, I don’t even drink, but I’d very much like to be kept up to date with game-changing Marmite-type revelations.
Earlier on in the year, scientists discovered glow-in-the-dark sharks. And I only found out last night. But I could probably tell you how many people tested positive for Covid on the day the species were discovered.
Throughout 2021, the media has been a pretty dismal resource that hasn’t seen any dredges of joy since the infamous Colin & Cuthbert Caterpillar scandal. More of this joviality please!
Remember the very first lockdown back in March 2020? Every single online platform was flooded with messages of positivity and spine-tingling examples of love. What happened to that togetherness?
According to the news, since the lifting of lockdown, we have all realised that actually, we despise each other. We hate and have no time for those with opposing views, especially concerning tediously controversial matters such as vaccines (who cares?? Have it if you want it, and don’t if you don’t. Either way, Bill Gates/ The Illuminati/ the cast of Balamory aren’t interested...) Our tolerance of others seems to have completely dissipated. Tensions are fraught, from those within the homes we have spent an ‘unprecedented’ amount of time in, to irritations out and about, such as people who seem to enjoy walking at the pace of a severely cramped slug in-front of us when we’re trying to get to work.
And, God forbid, how has lockdown affected our romantic relationships? Well, as claimed by the media, the prior presumed ‘baby boom’ didn’t quite come into fruition, and we are instead now bracing ourselves for a ‘decade of divorce.’
Yes, lockdown might have sabotaged a number of relationships, but I have no doubt that it has birthed and strengthened more than it destroyed.
Recently, I posted an article about my Mum and her first boyfriend Paul, which was beautifully received on my blog. ❤️
I absolutely adore listening to my Mum’s stories about her and Rick-Astley-look-a-like Paul. They sped through the 80’s in his Ford Anglia blasting out Human League and pub-crawling around Altrincham.
As mentioned in the article, one of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t ask my grandparents more about themselves and their relationship. A soldier bringing home a German girl during the war and making a home and raising 3 children in Malta - it’s the plot to a great story!
Sadly, I never thought to ask them the finer details…
What stigma did you face back then in what would have been a very controversial relationship?
What songs remind you of your early years of dating and romance?
What were your core relationship values?
What was it like to date during the war?
The story of my Grandma and Grandad and all of the stunning history, politics and love that went with it have been lost in time.
As well as counteracting the negativity within the media, my grandparents have also been a huge inspiration for this article, and I’m sharing the stories of others in their memory.
My beautiful grandparents, Barbara & Dennis ❤
We all love a good rom-com, but many of us forget that WE are the main characters within the plot of our very own incredible love stories.
We don’t realise that our stories are just as special as those we digest in the form of Disney princes and Kate Winslet a’la Jack Black situs (If you didn’t get that The Holiday ref then I’m sorry but you can’t share my Marmite and YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US!!)
Our stories are moments in time – everything from the clothes worn on first dates to the music consumed are glorious examples of fragile history that we should all strive to preserve.
I’m a big believer in fate. I find it absolutely fascinating to think that every one of our pending decisions are laced with the possibility of millions of different outcomes, and that every decision we make in life leads us on a journey.
‘Everything happens for a reason‘ - although sometimes this sentiment is hard to trust.
Here is my very own example: I didn’t enjoy my second season working abroad for TUI, so I came home early and started working in one of their travel agencies while awaiting my new destination, which I was due to fly out to in the summer. I really beat myself up about that decision and felt like I’d failed my dream job by giving up on my winter season. As it happens, I enjoyed working at the travel agency so much that I decided to stay, which was when I met Josh, through working for the company.
If we go even further back - I only initially applied to work for TUI as a rep in the first place because I was at rock bottom with my anorexia and knew something needed to change.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined that decision - and being struck down with an eating disorder - would lead to me meeting my future husband 18 months later…
Fate often has a funny way of delivering its enchantment, and the extent of this sorcery can take years to be revealed. But isn’t that the exhilarating beauty of it? Of life?
Think back to how you met you own partner, your bestie, or a special person in your life. Dissect your story and relish the magic within it.
That one party, that one cancelled train, that one swipe… It’s all down to the captivating hands of fate. People come into our lives for a reason, and although sometimes their presence is fleeting, a lesson is there to be learned, or a memory made.
I really do think that when it comes to love - be it in the friendship or romantic sense - the stars align in the most indescribably magical and remarkable ways.
I was keen to hear more stories, so I rallied together some of the most inspiring couples I know and put this plea out on my social media:
Hey guys! Can anyone help me? There’s so much bad in the world at the moment, so I’ve decided to put together a project for my blog that I hope will uplift and inspire people.
For the project, I will be asking a number of couples of different generations and ages a series of questions about their relationship. I’ve already got 5 couples, but I need more!
If anyone would like to nominate themselves and their partner, or their parents/ grandparents/friends etc, please message me!
I want the Tinder couples, the gorgeous grandparents, the second-time-around-marriages… everything and anything that showcases love in all of its incredible variations!
They don’t need to be ‘perfect’ relationships - I’m not looking to feature #couplegoals - I want realness and couples who have overcome struggles together. You could have been together 2 weeks or 75 years - I want to hear from anyone!
It sounds mega cheesy, but I LOVE leaning about different relationships through the decades and how music links so many of our memories. My biggest regret is that I didn’t ask my grandparents more about themselves and their relationship. Let’s celebrate our stories, get them out there, and keep them alive!
Please message me if you’re up for it, or if you know someone who might be - thank youuuuu! x
And here they are – the amazing couples who agreed to take part. I am so honoured that they gave me permission to share their stories and wonderfully honest advice. Some of the answers I received truly made me cry. This is real, unfiltered, messy love in all of its perfectly imperfect forms. I hope the following unique fables gift you with a much-needed reminder that ‘love, actually, is all around.’ ❤
Although a slightly different theme, I thought it was only fair that I started off with my own...
Cara & Josh ❤
Status: Separated, but co-habiting as friends
When did you meet?
10th August 2016
How long have you been together?
We were together for just over four years
How old were you when you met?
C: 22
J: 24
How did you meet?
C: I took Josh’s job! I was working as an overseas holiday rep for TUI and Josh worked at one of their travel agencies in the UK. I needed somewhere to work between seasons and Josh had just resigned to go travelling, so I snuck in! I’d heard a lot about the Josh whose job I’d taken, but it wasn’t until Josh came home from travelling in August 2016 that we met in person. We officially met at Nando's on his welcome home meal with our mutual colleagues.
Where was your first date?
C: We went to see The BFG at the cinema! Josh had also booked a vegetarian restaurant for us, but I was so nervous I told him I felt sick and couldn’t eat, so we got all Lady & The Tramp over a bag of overpriced Cineworld Pick & Mix instead. 🤦🏻♀️😂
What were your first impressions of each other?
C: I thought he was a lot better looking in real life than in photos. I noticed his dimples and his eyes the moment he walked into Nando's.
J: I thought she looked like a tattoo with her black hair and red lips! I remember thinking she was sweeter and lot more innocent than I thought she would be. She probably did have a bit of an attitude, but she’s definitely more fiery now! She was really shy.
What is ‘your song?’
Fairytale of New York, by The Pogues. We got engaged in the snow in New York in December 2017, and we had this as our first dance at our wedding in December 2019.
What have you learned from one another?
C: I’m an only child and have always been very independent and a bit of a lone wolf. I was always adamant that I didn’t need anybody else in life, but being with Josh taught me that sometimes it’s nice to share moments and memories with somebody else, and that sometimes, you can’t do everything on your own (especially when it comes to getting a bangin’ bikini pic on holiday. Pretty tricky on a self-timer app!) 🤣 In all seriousness, I also learned to accept and trust the love of a good man - something I hadn't experienced before.
J: Accept people’s differences, because that’s what makes them unique. While it’s important to have things in common, it’s the things you don’t have in common that teach you the most.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
C: It’s a difficult one to answer as obviously our relationship didn’t stand the test of time, but with our own personal situation in mind, I would say don’t be afraid to challenge the norm. When I tell people that we’re separated but living together, they instantly form a negative opinion, whereas in actual fact, we are happier in our set up than a lot of couples I know in conventional relationships. Neither of us are looking to meet anybody else at this present time, and we have our own lives as much as we still go out together as mates. This situation definitely isn’t for everyone, and it might only work for another 6 months, or it might last 10 years – what matters is we’re both happy. The fact that we were best friends didn’t change just because our romantic relationship didn’t last.
Additionally, above all, while a relationship is about two people, always make sure that you prioritise the relationship that you have with yourself. You can’t give someone the best of you if you’re not looking after yourself first and foremost.
Jetal & Rushin ❤️
Status: Married
When did you meet?
July 2008 as friends
How long have you been together?
Known each other for 13 years been going out since 2011 (10 year of dating)
How old were you when you met?
Both 18 years old
How did you meet?
We went to the same secondary school but didn’t know each other much then. We’ve known each other more since the end of secondary school. We were friends and used to hang out all the time with other friends. We went to college together and did uni work together.
Where was your first date?
At an Indian restaurant in Leicester called The Grand Durbar
What were your first impressions of each other?
Jetal’s first impression of Rushin: kind heart, very good looking and always looking out for others before himself.
Rushin’s first impression of Jetal: good looking, stylish girl who loves looking after herself and very confident in everything she did!
What is ‘your song?’
Tum Hi Ho ( https://youtu.be/Umqb9KENgmk )
One thing you have learned from one another?
J: How to save money and the importance of it
R: Be kind to everyone, even if they aren’t kind back.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
1) Always show each other how much you love each other even if it’s with the smallest gestures
2) Never go to bed on an argument.
3) When things get hard don’t get angry and say things that will hurt... Talk to each other about it.
4) Always love will a full heart ❤️
M & L ❤
Status: In a relationship
When did you meet?
We met in person on the 17th April 2014, but had been talking on and off for a few months before this. We met on the 17th April after I got blind drunk on a night out with some girls at Uni who had come to Manchester to stay with me. Two of the girls had gone home early, so when me and another friend decided to go home, I rung him, we picked him up on the way back from Manchester in a taxi and he stayed over whilst my parents were away. He had to walk 6.5 miles home the next day… and no - nothing ‘happened!!'
How long have you been together?
We have now been together 7 years and 4 months.
How old were you when you met?
M: 19
L: 20
How did you meet?
So we met because our one mutual friend had Snapchatted me and he was in the background (they worked together). It was the ONLY night that I had no plans at Uni and I was on my own in my Uni halls, bored. Me and our mutual friend were messaging all night and she put my Snapchat in his phone… the rest is history 🤣🤣🤣
Where was your first date?
We don’t remember our first ‘date’ because for the first month or so, we’d just see each other randomly when he would skive off work and refuse to pick up the phone to them. But we did make it our ritual to go to ‘Revs’ every Friday night in Sheffield, where I was at Uni - this was the place where we declared our love for each other for the first time - classy!
What were your first impressions of each other?
M: I remember meeting him for the second time and messaging my friend worried about his ‘strange walk’ and ‘disgusting choice of clothing’ - it nearly put me off for life.
L: 'Who is that naughty little piece?!'
What is ‘your song?’
Our song is Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur - every lyric is relatable and we have a story behind each line.
One thing you have learned from one another?
M: One thing I have learnt from him is how to not take life so seriously. To laugh - belly laugh!
L: Not to hide from problems - but face them head on.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
Prioritise one another, laugh, confide and LISTEN... And trump in front of each other before you make it official!
Karina & Ollie ❤
Status: Engaged
When did you meet? August 2011
How long have you been together? 7 years
How old were you when you met?
K: 25
O: 24
How did you meet?
We both worked at Harvey Nichols
Where was your first date?
Piccolinos in Manchester
What were your first impressions of each other?
K: He can chat for England this guy!
O: I thought she was attractive
What is ‘your song?’
We don't have a song 🙈 we both love the Moana soundtrack though! 😂
One thing you have learned from one another?
We are always better together.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
You always have to make sure you are a strong unit and ALWAYS work as a team. If you do, you can deal with everything life throws at your relationship.
MDT & HDT ❤
Status: Married
When did you meet?
We met on the (women’s) dating app, HER, on 10th February 2019, and met in person for the first time on 24th Feb.
How long have you been together?
We’ve been together since then, although I officially asked H to be my girlfriend on 8th March 2019 after we’d been to a poetry evening to celebrate International Women’s Day. So I guess that makes it 2 years and 8/9 months.
How old were you when you met?
M: 30
H: 35
How did you meet?
M: As above, we met on the dating app HER. I’d tried a couple of apps and had an awful time (came across some right weirdos and lots of men), and H wasn’t really looking - she was one year into a PhD and neither of us really thought we had time for a relationship. However, we both just had a feeling, matched, and hit it off immediately. Never a moment of doubt for either of us.
Where was your first date?
M: Our first date was at the Trafford Centre (because H lived in Liverpool back then). We met in Costa for a coffee, then moved to Whetherspoons, and finished with dinner at Zizi. We talked non-stop for 6 hours. I’d never driven on the motorway by myself before and I was shitting it trying to get there, but I really, really wanted to meet her! I was late. Obvs.
What were your first impressions of each other?
M: My first impressions of H from the app were that she was ‘nice’ and ‘clever’ (I was correct). When we met in person, I noticed her eyes straight away and felt immediate attraction (very rare for me). H says her first impression of me was that I was late. But worth the wait. She found me ‘warm’ and ‘smiley’.
What is ‘your song?’
We have a private song that only we know, but publicly, our song is She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert.
One thing you have learned from one another?
M: We’ve learned loads from each other. H says she’s learned the importance of communication. I’ve learned that I’m worthy of a loving relationship and that I can be completely comfortable living with someone.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
1. Don’t expect it to be super romantic/sexy and exciting all of the time. There can be hard days. The bit where you can’t keep your hands off each other does calm down after a while, and it’s important that you have solid foundations (I.e. things in common, similar values, intellectual stimulation) to keep you solid. If your relationship is based purely on sexual attraction, expect to have to put in some work.
2. It’s important to understand your partner’s ‘love language’. There are five - physical touch, words of comfort, acts of service, quality time, and gift giving. Know what your own is - which one(s) do you ‘speak’ and which ones do you like to receive? Know the same for your partner and respond accordingly.
3. Compromise.
4. You have to be comfortable with yourself and able to love yourself before you’re fully ready for an equal and fulfilling relationship. People who want to ‘fix’ or who need ‘fixing’ can find themselves prone to co-dependent relationships with power imbalances. We think it’s important to know yourself well and be prepared to stay on a constant journey of reflection, learning and self-improvement - but in the context of a partnership where both people WANT to be together but don’t NEED to be.
Lauren & Daniel ❤
Status: Engaged
When did you meet? May 2011
How long have you been together?
10 years
How old were you when you met?
We were both 17
How did you meet?
Through mutual friends
Where was your first date?
We just went for a walk
What were your first impressions of each other?
L: He made me laugh & he always said he felt comfortable around me
What is ‘your song?’
Pitbull ft. Neyo - Give Me Everything (don’t ask why haha)
One thing you have learned from one another?
We have learnt how to love a child together unconditionally & work together
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
Laughter - no matter how hard life gets or how messy things seem to be when your with each other just laugh and enjoy each other’s company.
Laura & Chris ❤
Status: In a relationship (Side note: they are also proud parents of the most beautiful bunny rabbits in the world, Tyrion & Khaleesi 😍)
When did you meet?
March 2017
How long have you been together?
Officially 4 years
How old were you when you met?
25
How did you meet?
Tinder
Where was your first date?
Trafford Centre Wetherspoons then TGI’s
What were your first impressions of each other?
L: He thought I looked better than I do on my pictures and I thought the same, he came across a real gentlemen.
What is ‘your song?’
A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman.
One thing you have learned from one another?
To be ourselves, to let someone be themselves
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
L: Take people for who they are and accept it. Don’t try to change them - always be yourself and if they don’t accept you or you don’t “fit” together naturally - they aren’t your soul mate. Chris is mine.
Maria & Des ❤
Status: Married
Where did you meet?
We initially met in the September of 1974 as we started at the same secondary school and we were in the same classes until our third year there. However, we 'met' when we left school in August 1979.
How long have you been together?
42 years as a couple and have been happily married for 39 years.
How old were you when you met?
We were both 17 years of age, going on 18.
How did you meet?
M: We met at a mutual friend's birthday party. We were sat in a room listening to music with other friends. Des then asked me if I wanted to take the host's dog for a walk with him and I said yes. We just started talking and decided that we would meet up again. We met up the following week.
Where was your first date?
We think going to the Savoy Cinema in Heaton Moor and think it was Kramer vs Kramer
What were your first impressions of one another?
M: My first impression of Des was from school before I 'met' him. I thought he was sure of himself and quite opinionated. Des's first impression of me was that he thought I was brave as I was the only girl in the Chemistry class.
What have you learned from each other?
We have both got our own individual strengths and we have learned how to make the most of them to work as a team.
What is your song?
We don't necessarily have a song. In our early relationship we listened to lots of music, including The Smiths and The Cure. We would listen to the music and sing along.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
To be patient and see things as a long term commitment.
Pam & Gordon ❤️
Status: Married
When did you meet?
February 1975 - summer in South Africa
How long have you been together?
We’ve been together for 46 years!
How old were you when you met?
P: 14 years old
G: 16 years old
How did you meet?
Through a friend and we were at the same school.
Where was your first date?
P: A house party in my neighbourhood.
What were your first impressions of each other?
P: His gorgeous blue eyes. Gordon says he was blown away, oh and my good legs!! 😀
What is ‘your song?’
At the time in early days it was Radar Love by Golden Earring.
One thing you have learned from one another?
Communication is most important !
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
1) Sharing interests, and having your own interests.
2) You both have to work at a marriage. Too many give up too easily!
Abbie & Jordan ❤
Status: Engaged
When did you meet?
A: So we have known of each other for a very long time Jordan is one year older than me and was in the year above me at school we went to the same primary and secondary school - Jordan remembers me from primary school because I used to compete in various sports teams so was up in assembly lots… I unfortunately don’t have any clear memories of Jordan from that time.
My first encounters of Jordan were in high school, my best friend and I walked to school the same way as Jordan and his best friend cycled to school (I already knew Jordan’s best friend.) Megan and I would often be over taken by Will and ‘the one with beanie hat on’… and again Megs and I would judge them for riding on the footpath or speeding past us to close… I later found out the guy in the beanie hat was Jordan.
But the first time we actually ‘met’ was in October 2012 that’s when we first started talking properly.
How long have you been together?
We have been together for 8 years and 10 months
How old were you when you met?
I was 16 and Jordan was 17
How did you meet?
Jordan added me on Facebook and I sent him two of the same message by accident because I wasn’t certain I knew him and I was worried about stranger danger 😉
Where was your first date?
He bought me a drink at our school Christmas party but our real first date was in January 2013 at Cafe Nero
What were your first impressions of each other?
A: I thought that Jordan was really great and that he was sweet and kind.
J: Pretty but shy.
What is ‘your song?’
Little talks - Of Monsters and Men
One thing you have learnt from one another?
A: Jordan has taught me that sometimes it’s okay choose what solely makes you completely and utterly happy, to pick happiness above everything else.
Jordan has learned from me to enjoy all the little things in life - like snuggling up and watching a film can be looked forwards to as much as a big event.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
Don’t be too serious, try and laugh or joke everything off as much as possible. You could be dead tomorrow so don’t hold onto silly things that make you angry - stop and ask yourself will I be mad about this in two years, if the answer is no it’s not worth being mad about it now.
Stop caring what everyone else thinks about your relationship - they aren’t in it - as long as it’s healthy and you’re happy then everyone else needs to shove out.
Pegah & Rich ❤
Status: Married
When did you meet?
September 2014
How long have you been together?
Just over 7 years
How old were you when you met?
We were both 20
How did you meet?
We met at uni - we had a Facebook page made by uni for everyone that was going to be in the same halls… Rich saw a comment I had put on and he added me on Facebook so we were speaking for about a month before we went to uni!
Where was your first date?
P: Our first date was at Frankie & Benny’s and Rich’s card failed - LOL.
What were your first impressions of each other?
P: I thought Rich was really quiet but so down to earth which I loved.
R: Confident and beautiful
What is ‘your song?’
You & Me - Disclosure (flume remix)
One thing you have learned from one another?
P: I have learnt how to be calmer in situations, Rich is super relaxed whereas I’m the opposite so he’s definitely calmed me down!
R: The opposite of what Peg has said above.
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
1) Be best friends/like each other before you love each other
2) Enjoy each other’s company (I can literally spend 24 hours a day with him and not get bored or fed up with him)
3) Take time out to be with each other i.e. date nights etc.
Gail & Dave ❤️
Status: Married
When did you meet?
In 1989
How long have you been together?
Since the end of 1993
How old were you when you met?
G: 26
D: 21
How did you meet?
We met through being in playing in bands (both musicians)
Where was your first date?
G: Party in my car near the River Mersey - nibbles and a balloon and cake 🤣
What were your first impressions of each other?
There was electricity between us not to be ignored.
What is ‘your song?’
Let’s Stay Together - Al Green
One thing you have learned from one another?
G: Be more sensible
D: Be less serious!
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
Trust and allow each other to breathe and be their own person 🥰
Emma & Simon ❤
Status: In a relationship
When did you meet?
We met in the summer, August 2017.
How long have you been together?
We have been together for 3 years, 2 months and we’re already like a married couple 😂🙈
How old were you when you met?
E: I was 22 and he was 29.
How did you meet?
E: We met at a summer camp in Pennsylvania America, I worked at the girls camp and he worked at the co ed camp. The summer after (2018), he made the move to the girls camp and we spent the whole summer getting to know one another and left camp as a couple. The year after (2019) we returned to camp together and stayed for four whole months in the most beautiful place! ️❤
Where was your first date?
A restaurant in Hawley, PA. He asked me on a date to a restaurant called Ledges. We sat outside next to the lit up waterfall and shared some tapas.
What were your first impressions of each other?
E: My first impressions were he’s intelligent and hilarious. I sort of fancied him but found out he was seeing someone so that was why we stayed friends, until the year after when he returned to camp single. His memory isn’t the best but he said he thought I was fun, chatty, hardworking and very northern!
What is ‘your song?’
Every summer at camp there is a song that they change the words to making it more relatable to our summer camp experience. There is a dance to the song that we do every morning and every evening, it’s amazing as there are about 400 kids and adults all doing this dance. Our song would have to be from our summer 2018, ‘This is me’ but our camp version!
One thing you have learned from one another?
E: I now love going out for walks; I never really used to get the walking thing. Bought myself a pair of walking boots when we started dating!
S: I learned how to really enjoy food when Emma moved in. She's a really good cook!
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
Team work!
Megan & Luke ❤
Status: Engaged
When did you meet?
August 2006, the summer between years 7 and 8
How long have you been together?
We got together in year 11 in May 2010, so 11 and a half years now!
How old were you when you met?
12 but we were 16 when we got together
How did you meet?
M: He moved round the corner from my best friend’s grandma. Me and my friend used to go to her grandma’s all the time and play out and we clocked that a BOY had moved in so we went out to investigate 😂 we just started hanging out together from then really
Where was your first date?
Our first date was at the park with apple whips from the ice cream van and bottles of Fanta Tropical Twist 😂
What were your first impressions of each other?
M: I thought he was cocky! He was doing keepie uppies in the street on his own!
L: She stank of horses. Tbh she still does
What is ‘your song?’
Somewhere Only We Know - Lily Allen. I’ll be walking down the aisle to it at our wedding in March 😊
One thing you have learned from one another?
M: We have grown up together and the most special thing I’ve taken from our relationship is being able to just be myself. It was invaluable when I was a teenager and I think this gave me the confidence I have today.
L: She just inspires me every day with her job and how kind she is, I don’t know how she does it. And I hope the lads from work don’t read this!
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
1. Remember that you’re a team. You should never feel alone when you’re with your soulmate because whatever happens you know that you will get through it together no matter what.
2. Never be afraid to be yourself. If you’re holding yourself back from your partner because you’re afraid what they’ll think or what they'll say then you’re in the wrong relationship. The right person will love every part of you, even the things you don’t like.
3. Make sure you talk to each other. It sounds so simple but its so important.
H & K ❤️
Status: Married
When did you meet?
November 1988
How long have you been together?
32 years
How old were you when you met?
H: 27
K: 19
How did you meet?
Through mutual friends from the football team
Where was your first date?
The Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant in Didsbury
What were your first impressions of each other?
H: I thought he was funny and kind
K: I thought she was lovely!
H: Ahhhh yuck! 🤣
What is ‘your song?’
Back To Life - Soul To Soul
One thing you have learned from one another?
H: I’ve learned to try and look on the bright side of life
K: To be patient and look at situations in different ways
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
1. Patience
2. Communicate
3. Give each other space
4. Have your own friends and interests.
Alan & Trish ❤️
Status: Married
When did you meet?
In August 1982
How long have you been together?
39 years
How old were you when you met?
A: 22
T: 19
How did you meet?
A: We met in The Grapes Pub where my Mum & Dad met
Where was your first date?
Our first date was playing pool in the Lancashire Pub
What were your first impressions of each other?
A: I noticed her personality and Trish thought I was funny
What is ‘your song?’
You’re The Best Thing - The Style Council
One thing you have learned from one another?
To support each other and be more tolerant
Your advice for a lasting relationship?
We have both said that our advice for a lasting relationship is being best friends and always being there for each other through the ups and downs - especially the downs in life.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Cara Jasmine Bradley ©
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