and they told me I was a baby......

"You are too young to get married."

"How well do you know him?"

"Marriage is hard."

"You are a child. Are you ready to have one?"

WHOA, whoa. Whoaaa. who said anything about babies?

these are just a few of the questions that I've had to face in the light of getting engaged. I totally thought marriage was all about the happily ever after. just kidding. Being an ADULT living on MY OWN has taught me SEVERAL things. 1. there are bills to pay 2. there will be fights 3. communication is key.

There was also all the awkward commentary from my guy friends who essentially said "congratulations.... but I wish it was me,"

uh.

does anyone know the proper response to that?

naw.....
 I didn't think so either.
 So that is when you make a mental sidenote to never hangout again to avoid another awkward encounter.

or maybe you could tell them to grow a pair and they could have asked you  out and didn't. tough. that's life.

I'm going to tell you again, why I am getting married so young. I found someone who loves me despite myself. who loves me through my menstrual cycle. the acne. the tears. the ugly pants. the no-shower days/weeks. the tantrums. my obnoxious animal collecting habit. the no-shave-legs november, december, january, february, you get the point.... my disorganized self.

he wipes away my tears.
he holds me.
he whispers sweet things to me and means them.
I do not think he has actually ever said a mean thing about me..... though I have deserved it.
he supports me.
he thinks I'm smart. I prefer the term smarticle. whatevs.
he can build things.
he is a man's man.
he takes me fishing.
he admitted to secretly liking/bordering loving my bunnies (don't tell I told)

I have never known any man to be so selfless to me, why would I wait to see if I could "do better?"
because I can tell you right now....

I can't. 

I found a scripture that almost relates in Matthew (13:45-36)

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all he had, and bought it.

What is Jonathan, if not my pearl of great price? why would I not give up all I have for him?

Jonathan Payne Kirkland, I pledge to give up going on pointless dates with many different lesser suitors. I pledge to give up my broken heart over people who are not worth it. I pledge to love you for the ever after.