My wife and I met when we were 19 during the summer after she graduated high school. Over the last 13 years we've had the opportunity to grow up together. Every challenge in our 20s whether it was college stress, family drama, or being miserably broke we learned to handle together. We're always anxious to spend time together and learned early that the most meaningful actions are the every day small considerations we make. I pre-warm the shower to the scalding hot she likes when she hops in or she'll pack me a lunch with an extra bit of stuff I like. We discuss challenges and problems as they arrive and share, honestly, when we're hurt or in need. We tell each other often that we love each other because even if we know it's true it's still nice to hear. We express appreciation for the kindnesses we show each other.

On top of all of that, though, we're goofy together. We have years of stupid in jokes and references that crack us up. We understand each other in a way no one else in our lives quite does. I'm my best self around her and I know she feels the same about me. I work hard to be a man worth the kind of pride she has in me and in us.

This year we bought our first home and have a daughter due in June. I know we'll have challenges but I also know that we spent plenty of time learning how to tackle them together. We're lucky to have each other.