And no, we're not married or about to get married!
I get this line of questions all the time. People ask do I live with my boyfriend, and when I answer and say yes, the next line of questions always have to do with marriage and getting married. It's not surprising that this is how the conversation goes. After all, this is the "norm." But I have to say that I think my relationship with my boyfriend represents the "new normal." Or atleast our "normal."
Does normal even really exist? It's defined differently based on the person. I think it's unfair to project our belief systems on others though. Based on religion, my living situation is considered shacking. We aren't married but we live in the same household *shrugs* I'm not about to argue with the Bible thumpers on this one.
This very brief write up is going to be about defining your relationships on your own terms. Lately, my boyfriend and I have been discussing all the 'long term' things that go along with relationships. We've been together for 3 years so now everyone is ready for us to get married and have a baby. Both of us are like KEEP THAT ENERGY OVER THERE, WE GOOD! Right now, both of our main goals are to follow our dreams and become millionaires. We don't have the time or the energy or the funds to devote to marriage and children.
I think we get so caught up in the timelines of our lives that we don't even take time to get to know all the intimate details of a person. As we learn and grow, we get to know each other more and more. So we've chosen to focus on growing more in the years to come. We've chosen to dedicate time to building and establishing wealth. And we don't need a marriage license to hold each other down and build each other up. PLUS, WE'RE YOUNGGGGGG! We have time. And I know, some folks say "you can do everything you just mentioned while you're married," but I can also do it unmarried soooooo *shrugs*
Whew chile, the PRESSURE! Everyday I see someone new getting engaged or announcing a pregnancy. More power to you on how you decide to handle your relationship and project your love. But don't project your plans onto me. We're shooting in two completely different gyms, Trust Me.
Most people don't understand how we operate, and that's okay. To each his own. Trust the timing of YOUR life. If you want to be single for a while, DO THAT! If you're ready to get married, DO THAT! If marriage isn't in the cards and y'all just want hold each other down forever, THEN DO THATTTTT! Don't worry about what other people think of your decisions. This life is yours. You only get one so live it to the fullest!!