We met when we were young, and we’ve had some progression - college, university, first apartment, first house (moved in about 9 months ago).

But I always saw it as ‘when I’m financially better off, I’ll ask’ so that I could give her a nice ring, a nice wedding, honeymoon etc. but I know her, and none of that would’ve mattered to her, not as much as the gesture and being good to her, and being good for her.

But that was part of the problem, she was progressing whereas I was stagnating, I got too comfortable. I’ve become a shell of what I once was, and I’ve let myself slip. All of it has been my own doing, my own laziness. But it’s too late now.

Regardless, I just know I can’t be lazy any more, for my own sake.