How do you know?

How did I know Josh was the one? How did I know that taking that scary step from best friends to boyfriend and girlfriend would be worth it?

It was simple believe it or not. Once I got over my hang-ups about dating friends, I opened my eyes to Josh in a new way. Everything that I had been praying to find in a man was right in front of me. There were 2 standout instances the summer before we got together that really solidified in my head that I wasn’t crazy.

The first instance was at a HUGE rock concert. In our area there used to be this rock fest called Wing Ding. There you could pay $30 for your ticket and see 9+ bands, including the well-known ones. Josh and I went with another friend after we graduated high school because we really wanted to see Shinedown. Now, I had never been to a concert like this before, boobs were being flashed, people were smoking pot, and of course moshing. At the beginning of the day, these things were fascinating, but by the time Shinedown was getting ready to play I was getting freaked out. The people were getting more aggressive and it was scary. I remember shooting Josh a look and he just took my hand and led me out of the crowds. By him putting my safety and comfort first, that really spoke volumes.

The next instance was at my house. I invited Josh and one of my girlfriends over to hang out. Of course my friend and I were gabbing non-stop leaving no room for Josh to add anything. Without saying a word, Josh got up and started playing football in the yard with my little brother. Seeing him with my brother showed me that he could be a part of my family.

These simple things confirmed that Josh had the characteristics I needed in a man. He got along with my family, protected me, and once I realized these things I saw so much more.

So on August 20, 2009 when he asked me to be his girlfriend I said yes. Not to a dating relationship, but to spending the rest of my life with him because I knew I could not be without him.