Hey, y’all, welcome back to "This is for Us." I’m thrilled you're here, especially as we dive into a topic very close to my heart—relationships. Today, I want to share some insights into my own relationship with my husband, Alan Coley, affectionately known as AC.

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Seven Years with AC

Alan and I recently celebrated our seventh anniversary together. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences that truly feel like we’ve lived multiple lifetimes together. Like many couples, we’ve had to fit celebrations around busy schedules, which makes them all the more meaningful. This year, we decided to celebrate with dinner from our favorite spot, Cancun, which has been a significant backdrop to our relationship, from our first date to our wedding.

The Realities of Our Relationship

During a recent car ride, a conversation with a friend made me reflect deeply on our relationship. She mentioned that how Alan and I look at each other made her realize what was missing in her relationship. This struck a chord with me, reminding me of the times I compared our relationship to the seemingly perfect ones I saw on social media.

The Challenges Behind Closed Doors

Many don’t see the challenges we've faced—intense arguments, breaks, and the immense effort we've both put in to grow together. Relationships aren’t formed or sustained on effortless perfection; they are built through hard work, commitment, and a willingness to grow together.

Growth Through Struggle

I shared with my friend that every relationship, even those that seem perfect from the outside, has its struggles. These challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities for growth. Alan and I have learned to navigate these by constantly communicating, understanding each other's perspectives, and being willing to adapt.

Choosing to Fight for Love

In today’s world, where ending relationships can seem as easy as swiping on an app, it’s important to remember the value of perseverance. True love isn’t about constant happiness and ease but about fighting through difficult times together, learning, and growing in the process.

Reflecting on What Makes a Soulmate

A soulmate is not perfect but willing to go through the hardest times with you, someone who chooses to grow and adapt to be better for each other. Alan and I have worked through our differences and challenges by committing to better ourselves and our relationship day by day.

Conclusion

If you’re in a relationship and facing challenges, remember that the difficult times are as much a part of the journey as the joyful ones. It’s not about finding a perfect person but building a real, lasting connection with someone ready to face life’s ups and downs with you. Embrace the messiness and the beauty of relationships, and remember, every struggle is a step towards a stronger bond.

Thank you for joining me today. If you’ve resonated with this episode or know someone who might, feel free to share it. I’m here to continue these conversations and support you through your journey in love and life. Remember, you're not alone in the highs and lows. Until next time, take care and keep nurturing your relationships with love, patience, and understanding.

Until next time, take care and keep cherishing those around you. Remember, we're in this together, and through sharing our stories, we find common ground and healing because This Is For Us. 

I hope you love this episode xoxo