Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Exception


For as long as I can remember, I've always been the girl who expects the fairytale ending. Yes, it's just as obnoxious as it sounds and I'm sure if you were to interview an ex or two of mine, they'd be happy to moan and groan about my expectations and how I approach relationships. I believe the words "Real relationships aren't like the fucking movies, Whitney." were said to me somewhere around a year ago and while I do understand that things get stretched quite a bit (see also: a shit ton) in movies, I don't think I'll ever stop expecting that type of romance. #sorryimnotsorry

In high school I used to watch all of these happy couples roam the hallways, hand-in-hand, leaving notes in each others lockers and going to dances together. I never really had anything like that in high school, partially because the only boyfriend I had growing up went to a different school, but mostly because I wasn't exactly what you'd define as a "catch". So, I got to stand on the sidelines and watch as, what seemed like, everyone was finding their first loves and falling harder than Romo did when he got sacked last Sunday night (insert evil laugh here).

I clearly remember Valentine's Day being one of the most difficult of the high school days for me to endure because it was the day where all of the girls got to carry around bouquets of roses, balloons, cards, the whole nine, while it was just a normal, lonely day for me. Four of those lonely high school Valentine's Days and for some reason I still love the manmade holiday. Hashtag hopeless romantic.

Fast forward to the days of college, the days of house parties, the days of cheap well liquor drinks at bars that could never quite kick that stench of stale vomit. Some of my most favorite memories live in those days, but one thing was still missing and it was that passionate, crazy, head over heels, out of this world love that I so badly wanted to experience. I suppose that's just it, I probably wanted it too badly and clung to anything that could have possibly filled that void.

I guess this is where I get slightly creepy so feel free to imagine me sitting in an unmarked white van, with a creeper stashe on, for the remainder of this.

One of my very best friends, he was always adored by every girl who came in contact with him. Really, not just girls, everyone seemed to adore him, myself included. I was always on the sidelines, doing the best bud thing, watching while he dated these gorgeous girls with perfect bodies, perfect hair, perfect everything. I'd see exchanges on MySpace (ha!), I'd watch from the corner of the parties while he'd kiss them, I'd see them leave together, and the entire time I just wished it was me he was holding. It was never me though, I was just the best bud and I eventually decided that I was ok with it because I would have rather been the best bud than no one to him at all.

This was always the song I related to him.

I remember we'd get home from school and video chat on AIM for hours on end, taking quick breaks for dinner, and then resuming until one of us would inevitably fall asleep at the computer. Countless jokes and laughs were passed back and forth and I'm pretty sure I'll never forget those days. Even if I wasn't the one who got to leave those parties with him, I got to be the one he laughed with and that was more than enough for me.

Somewhere along the years, thanks to a truly heinous bitch, he became a runner and refused to let anyone in. I saw it coming, I knew exactly what happened, I was there for him when it went down. He had his mind set that relationships weren't for him and he was officially off the market, indefinitely. And not off the market for someone else, his heart was simply off the market for anyone to touch. Bolder women than I tried their hardest to shimmy their way in and as soon as they thought they were there, poof he was gone. Secretly, I liked that part. Ok, I usually didn't make it much of a secret.

For about ten years, through failed relationships on both sides, him and I never seemed to be able to stay away from each other. There was always something about him I just couldn't shake, there was always something about him that made me completely weak, there was always something about him that made me continue to initiate us hanging out. I have always held him to a standard not many can reach, let alone surpass, and I've always known that if I had to just be the best bud that's what I was going to be, even if it meant yearning to be more every single minute we'd spend together.

About three months ago I decided to text him because I wanted to hang out with him, I missed him and just needed to be in his presence. I knew it was slightly dangerous considering I've always gotten in some strange coma state once I'd leave him and I've also always known of his running tendencies. I was in a different place this time though, my heart was off the market for anyone to touch this time. I was the one who was prepared to run for the hills if anyone were to try and tie this sister down. We were going to hang out and it was going to be casual and fun, just like the old days, except this time I knew I'd be just fine if he were to run.

Weeks continued to pass by, we continued hanging out more and more frequently, but I was holding on strong - not falling in too deep, not expecting anything more than whatever was going on at the time. We were having fun, I was getting to spend a lot of time with my best friend, everything was pretty much what I always wanted with him. It was weird but I didn't question it, I just road the wave, continuing to remind myself that I was the one who didn't want anything serious this time around.

Fourth of July happened and he asked me to hang out. At this point, it wasn't really surprising to me because we had been hanging out more consistently around that time and I just figured we'd toss back a few beers, like always, and maybe hit up the bar once we were sick of sitting around. Except when I got there, he told me we were going to our mutual friend's huge fireworks show that just about every person we went to high school with was attending. This was when I started to feel things changing but I kept it locked away because surely I was going insane. Impossible. Can't be. So I shook those thoughts right out of my head and kept my cool, just like I had been the entire time.

Then his birthday rolled around. I was the one he wanted next to him at midnight to ring in his celebration with. I was the one he wanted to take Fireball shots with that night. It was surreal, to say the very least. But, again, he's not a relationship guy and I'm the best bud. I reminded myself this a few times throughout the night, throughout the next few days, and I shook the crazy out of my head once again.

My birthday rolls around, 15 days after his birthday, and he's the one ringing in my birthday with me. Only this time, he was the one who wanted to be there as my guy on my birthday. I was still convincing myself I had dreamed all of this up in my head, even though every single girlfriend of mine was telling me it was different this time, I continued to deny it. It was impossible. There was just no way he was finally mine.

Fourteen days after my birthday he called me something I had wanted to hear him call me for over ten years. Fourteen days after my birthday he called me "girlfriend". I wasn't bud or buddy, I was girlfriend and I was on cloud 9,000.

I'm the exception this time.

176 comments:

  1. September 11, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    This made me smile! We all needed a smile today!

    Reply
  2. September 11, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    Reading this post brings me so much to joy! I'm so happy for you! =)

    Reply
  3. September 11, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    I honestly just teared up. So cute!!! :)

    Reply
  4. September 11, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    What a beautifully written post. I got chill bumps and I'm so happy for you!

    Reply
  5. September 11, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Can I throw a big glitter cannon plus a huge puffy paint heart at this???

    Reply
  6. September 11, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Awww! Congrats! That's awesome! :)

    Reply
  7. September 11, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    I am so happy for you!! It can be hard waiting for that moment when everything falls into place!

    Reply
  8. September 11, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    You just killed me ded. Now I have to go watch the movie and remind myself that this shit is not going to happen to me HA. So stinking happy for you and that boy!

    Reply
  9. September 11, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    Sounds like it was so very worth the wait. Enjoy :)

    Reply
  10. bakinginmybathingsuit.comSeptember 11, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Sometimes it just takes time to be on the same page as our best guy friends.

    Congrats! You look so very happy :)

    Reply
  11. September 11, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    I want to throw confetti on you and yell congratulations but I'll refrain. I love this story like A LOT. YAY!

    Reply
  12. September 11, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    Aw Whitney, I'm so happy for you! You two look adorable together. :)

    Reply
  13. September 11, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    the boy. you blogged about the boy and you also cited the cranberries.
    i love this for you very much whitty!

    Reply
  14. September 11, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    This is so fantastic Whit!! When you know, you know! No matter how much you try to deny it! Best of luck in the days and years to come, and remember, there are going to be days so dark with him that you wished you had never met him. On those days, remember to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and talk. Talk a lot. You can always undo words, but you can't undo actions. I met a wildly crazy Italian man and six years later finally married that fool, and let me tell you, a rollercoaster is an understatement. We have been through it all lady!

    Reply
  15. September 11, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    awww, look at you with your own little romantic movie!!!!!!

    Reply
  16. September 11, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Aw yay!! I'm so so happy for you!!

    Reply
  17. September 11, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    i love every part of this story, it's so well... fairytale like to say the least. so happy for you and him, sounds like a perfect match

    Reply
  18. September 11, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    That is GREAT! Im so happy for you!!!

    Reply
  19. September 11, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    Shut the FRONT DOOR. Whitney!!! This is PERFECT. So so excited for you. You deserve so much happiness, ma'am!

    Reply
  20. September 11, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    Awww.... now that right there is what happy looks like:)

    Reply
  21. September 11, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    Oh my gosh Whitney! I'm so happy for you! He sounds absolutely wonderful. All I'm gonna say is...a friend of mine had a guy like that for nine years who was her best friend but she always loved him. Aaaaand they just got married. So.....just sayin' ;)

    Reply
  22. September 11, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    I'm totally cheering for you right now. How amazing!

    Reply
  23. September 11, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    Awww this is great!! LOVE!

    Reply
  24. September 11, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    I have a huge smile on my face for you :D

    Reply
  25. September 11, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    I have a huge smile on my face for you :D

    Reply
  26. September 11, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Great story :)

    Reply
  27. September 11, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    I absolutely adore this!!

    Reply
  28. abeautifullittleadventure.comSeptember 11, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    from another fairy tale girl, yaaaaayyyyy!!!!! What a well written tale, I'm glad you got what you deserve.

    Reply
  29. September 11, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    This hit me in the feels. So happy for you! Gives the rest of us single gals hope.

    Reply
  30. September 11, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    Very happy for you babyboo. I promise to still occasionally remind you that you do deserve this happiness and not to over think :)

    Reply
  31. September 11, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Whitney, that is absolutely precious and I'm so happy for you!!!

    i was never a believer of things like this until it happened to me too. my guy and i dated when were kids, 13yrs old actually. not long after we both moved and went our seperate ways but i always thought about him. 15 yrs later thanks to facebook we reconnected and we've been together for almost 3yrs now.

    sometimes, we just know "the one" :)

    Reply
  32. September 11, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    this brought tears to my eyes. maybe it's our name. we share it and we share the hopeless romantic thing. but guess what? you have given me hope. congrats. you guys are awesome together.

    Reply
  33. September 11, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    So happy for you. This is precious. Reminds me of the story of my hubby and I. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  34. September 11, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Yay! I love this story and the way you told it, so captivating to read. So sweet! :)

    - Michelle @ PermanentDaydream.com

    Reply
  35. September 11, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    So happy for you! And I love your last line.. "I'm the exception this time" so perfect! Love this!

    Reply
  36. September 11, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    SQUEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, I love stories like this. I'm so glad you're happy! I hope this works out for you. :)

    Reply
  37. September 11, 2013 at 12:43 PM

    So sweet and so happy for you! I came out of hiding the past two weeks or so just to comment on this. :)

    Reply
  38. September 11, 2013 at 12:43 PM

    This is so stinkin' cute. Happy for you!

    Reply
  39. September 11, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Yay Whit! So happy for you! Good things come to those who wait!

    Reply
  40. September 11, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    Gaaah!!! Love it! That's so exciting, and even better you have such a great friendship to build off of. My ex and I recently got back together after he decided he was finally ready to commit. We, too, were hanging out for the past 4 months but I kept trying to keep him in the friend zone and not get too excited when he'd mention certain topics. Now we are just happy as a clam :)

    Reply
  41. September 11, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    This was so freaking sweet i'm in pain. Physical pain from the sweetness. You deserve it! :)

    Reply
  42. September 11, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    Aw yay!!! So cute and so happy for you :)

    Reply
  43. September 11, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    Okay this is definitely like one of those perfect fabtastic romantic comedy movies! I am obsessed with every word of your little story! So glad you found a guy that makes you so happy, And the fact that you have been friends for soo long makes it even better!

    Reply
  44. September 11, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    oh my gosh I LLLLOVE this story, it is precious! So happy you are happy, cant wait to see what happens :)

    xxS

    Reply
  45. September 11, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    This is the best thing I have read today :) and he is totally adorable (which I am sure you already knew). It's always amazing when things work out, here's to happily ever after and fairy tales!

    Reply
  46. September 11, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    Heck yea, Whit! I'm so happy you're happy... now will you convince Ms. 2/3 Hazel to share her story?? *wink wink* Xo

    Reply
  47. September 11, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    I have the silliest grin all over my face reading this! It's so comforting to know that it's not crazy to want the fairytale. :) SO Happy for you!!!

    Reply
  48. September 11, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    You deserve this, Whitney! I am SO happy for you! With your blogging absence lately I was thinking, did this beeotch get a manfriend!? AND SHE DID! Huzzzzzah!

    Y'all are so freaking cute. Staaaaahp

    XOXO Fal
    Falfindshappiness.blogspot.com

    Reply
  49. September 11, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    I am smiling so big for you right now!! What a beautiful, awesome romantic story! Thank you for sharing. This is TOTALLY "movie" romance and it's totally real life and that is awesome. Good for your Whit!

    Reply
  50. September 11, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    Aw, such a cute story! Gives me some hope myself ;) Though I can't think of any male friends I've ever had a crush on... Usually it's the other way around. x
    http://mustforwanderlust.blogspot.ca

    Reply
  51. September 11, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    Yay for you! This is adorable. I can relate from my HS experience and through college with a best bud/roomate!

    Reply
  52. September 11, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    gave me chills girl!! and i totally believe in never giving up or holding out hope that love like the movies (okay, almost like) still exists...except i called it grandparent love ... the way people back in the day used to be insanely in love with each other (my grandparents died six months apart)!! rainbows and unicorns and glitter!! yaaay!

    Reply
  53. September 11, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    Cute story :) Congrats!

    Reply
  54. September 11, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    So happy for you, seems like you guys got the timing right. So much better that you started off as friends.

    Reply
  55. September 11, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    Gah! I love you and bear! <3 so presh. I'm glad you finally told the blogoverse about him :)

    Reply
  56. September 11, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Awwwwwwwww!!! Love it!! Happy for you girl!!

    Reply
  57. September 11, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    More more I want to read more!! Like I always say, it comes when you least expect it and you're just being yourself! So SOOO happy for you!! Oh but wait, is he a Seminole?
    I also want more pics.

    Reply
  58. September 11, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    I loooove this Whitney!!! I've always been a hopeless romantic myself! So so happy that you are so happy!! Congrats girly!!

    P.S. Is this the one you tried to punish for d-bags of the past?? :)

    Reply
  59. September 11, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    YESSSS!!!! From a certified blog lurker, it's about time you shared :) So happy for you!

    Reply
  60. September 11, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  61. September 11, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    oh my goodness, i love everything about this post! i'm a HUGE hopeless romantic and i'm so glad that your fairy tale came true for you. i feel like i can really relate to this. i was always (and still am) the one watching everyone else fall madly in love and being so happy while i just kept having too high of standards. i read romance novels and watch romantic movies, and love every single one even if they give me such high expectations. i've also had people tell me that i should stop hoping for so much and that my standards are too high. this gives me hope that something like this can still come true, and maybe i shouldn't just settle for "good enough". i'm so happy for you, and you two are adorable together! [:

    -nicole @ apeekintonewchapters.blogspot.com

    Reply
  62. September 11, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    Best post yet!!!

    Reply
  63. September 11, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    You're precious. Your story is precious. Hooray for you!!

    Reply
  64. September 11, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    adorable whit :)

    Reply
  65. September 11, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    yay yay yay yay yay yay yay yay yay!!!

    Reply
  66. September 11, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    You already know how I feel about all of this, and really - just really, I'm so damn happy for you.

    After all the years, this is the happiness you deserve and I'm so excited for you. And I can't believe you blogged about this <3

    And now, I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

    Reply
  67. September 11, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    You got your own rom com... What a great story!

    Reply
  68. September 11, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Love this Post! Love the Story! And Love that you are happy! Everyone deserves their happy ending! :)

    Reply
  69. September 11, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    This was so amazing to read and I am so happy for you. I love fairytales and this definitely is yours!

    Reply
  70. September 11, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    This was so amazing to read and I am so happy for you. I love fairytales and this definitely is yours!

    Reply
  71. September 11, 2013 at 1:30 PM

    Aw so sweet! So happy for you girly!

    Reply
  72. September 11, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    WHIT! WOOT!! So so happy you are the exception! Amazing story :)

    Reply
  73. September 11, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    Love this! I am so happy for you! Happy beginning of this new chapter to you both! Congrats :)

    Reply
  74. September 11, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    This is beautiful! Im so happy for you!!!

    Reply
  75. September 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    Oh I do love a story with a happy ending where the girl was right in front of him all along! So happy for you!

    Reply
  76. September 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    Love thissss!

    Reply
  77. September 11, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    My question is, does he know about the blog?

    But really, too happy for ya!

    Reply
  78. September 11, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    This brought tears to my eyes and made me so happy! You go girl :) Congrats!

    Reply
  79. September 11, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    Aww. So cute!

    Reply
  80. September 11, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    So cute! Congrats! You deserve this!

    Reply
  81. September 11, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    So happy for you! I love fairy tale endings also!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  82. September 11, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    awww love the good vibes in this post! well written! congrats !

    Reply
  83. September 11, 2013 at 1:46 PM

    You are such a sap. this should be a movie. I'd watch it with a bunch of chocolate in my lap crying hysterically like the girl I am

    Reply
  84. September 11, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    I had a feeling there was a follow up to yesterday's post :)

    Congrats hun! Being friends first is HUGE and you guys are too cute, love the pics of you over the years.

    Reply
  85. September 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    i really, really, really like this.
    congrats, girl.

    Reply
  86. September 11, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Awe so sweet!! Loved reading your post today!!

    Reply
  87. September 11, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    I absolutely love this! So happy for you!!

    Reply
  88. September 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    stop it right now with this sweet post. this is just too much for my cold little heart today.

    Reply
  89. September 11, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    AWWW I'm SO happy for you! Congrats!! Enjoy :)

    Kristin
    crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com

    Reply
  90. September 11, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    How amazing! When you know, you know, I guess! Congrats :)

    Reply
  91. September 11, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    This makes my heart SO happy. Happy for you, happy for love, happy for being the exception. You've been through so much and I couldn't think of a person more deserving.

    Now when do we get to meet him? Let's shoot for Sept 28 at Memory Mall by the hashtag dancers. I've been practicing ;)

    Reply
  92. September 11, 2013 at 2:25 PM

    Ah, such a sweet story that totally does feel like a movie! Congrats! Enjoy every little second together :)

    Reply
  93. September 11, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    Awwww so sweet! Loved this post :)

    Reply
  94. September 11, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    This made me smile so much! You deserve to be so happy and have the kind of happiness they show in movies :) congratulations!

    Reply
  95. September 11, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    So happy for you!

    Reply
  96. September 11, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    I. Just. Died. This story is so freaking cute, Whitney! Good for you :)

    Reply
  97. September 11, 2013 at 2:51 PM

    You make me cry today not laugh but it's okay because it's a good cry! I'm so happy for you and maybe a little jealous. Best buds often make the best forever lovers!

    Reply
  98. September 11, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    :)

    Reply
  99. September 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    Awwww!!! This was the sweetest story ever!! So happy for you and you two are a BEAUTIFUL couple!!!!

    Reply
  100. September 11, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    A) Yay for you!!!!!!
    B) Your title and the pic on facebook TOTALLY made me think of the end of He's Just Not That Into You when he tells her that she is *his* exception.
    C) you suck because i'm almost 10 years older than you and still utterly single and dateless to boot. ;)
    D) you two are totes adorab together!!!

    Reply
  101. September 11, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    I'm just so happy about all of this. I can't even comprehend what to write here.

    I GET TO SEE THE LOVE MOVIE IN PERSON IN ONE WEEK!

    Reply
  102. September 11, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    I knew something was up!!! I turned on that song and just awwwww'ed away. I totally got mine when I met my fiance about a year and 9 months ago. I was soooooo finally not looking for it and then BOOM. That's when it happens. Get it giiirl!

    Reply
  103. September 11, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    This is the sweetest thing ever!! So happy for you! :)

    Reply
  104. September 11, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    So happy for you :)

    Reply
  105. September 11, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    You had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I was going to be pissed if you guys weren't together by the end of your story! Haha! Seriously though congratulations! I can't wait to read all of your blissful gushy posts that are to come ;)

    Reply
  106. September 11, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    AHHHH!!! This is so adorable! Oh my god. So happy for you :) I know exactly how it felt, looking in from outside the "world of love" and it sucks.

    Michelle @ Mishfish13

    Reply
  107. September 11, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    I LOVE SEEING THIS WHITNEY!!!

    I'm so happy for you. SO SO happy

    xoxox

    Reply
  108. September 11, 2013 at 3:34 PM

    Awe!!! My eyes are leaking because this is SO SWEET.

    Reply
  109. September 11, 2013 at 3:36 PM

    Yay!!! I'm so happy for you! :)

    Reply
  110. September 11, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    This is SO sweet and mushy stuff makes me sick ;) Great story girl...and you know what they say, best friends always end up together!

    Megan
    IG: megawat
    Hello Newlywed Life Blog

    Reply
  111. September 11, 2013 at 3:52 PM

    :) Thanks for making me cry at work.. I am so happy for you!

    Reply
  112. September 11, 2013 at 3:52 PM

    YAY! Best blog entry ever! SO happy for you!!!

    Reply
  113. September 11, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    Aw YAY! I'm so happy for you! Wahoo, someone for you to eat bagel bites with!! :)

    Reply
  114. September 11, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    This was the sweetest post ever! I'm so happy for you! I had a similar situation except mine was 2 years, not 10! You deserve it.. can't wait for more posts on the boy :)

    Reply
  115. September 11, 2013 at 4:08 PM

    AWWW so sweet and so jealous (in a good way)!!!! And I was totally crying a little :)...Thanks for showing me fairy tales do exist

    Reply
  116. September 11, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    Oh I love this. AWESOME. Love this heartfelt post!

    Reply
  117. September 11, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    oh my LANTA! this just made me smile from cheek to cheek. what a beautiful story!!

    Reply
  118. September 11, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    plain and simple... this kicks ass! enjoy every second of this long anticipated bliss! :)

    Reply
  119. September 11, 2013 at 4:33 PM

    I just started reading your blog not to long ago but I already feel like we're best friends. (Maybe I need a white van and a creeper stache?) Anyways, this made me tear up and grin ear to ear. I'm so happy for you. Thanks for sharing Whitney! :)

    Reply
  120. September 11, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    hey, girlfriend, hey !

    Reply
  121. September 11, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    About damn time! Wonderful story that does remind me of a movie. =)I think you're fairy tale has just started.

    Reply
  122. September 11, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    OMG YAY!!!! I tried to read this earlier and my child kept wigging out so I JUST sat down to read it and I am so happy for you!! This was the cutest thing ever :)

    I'm a hopeless romantic too and truly believe everything happens for a reason. Timing is everything and now it's YOUR time! <3

    Reply
  123. September 11, 2013 at 5:45 PM

    AWE LOVE!!! Yay!! So happy for you!!! Relationships that begins as friends are the BEST ones!!

    Reply
  124. September 11, 2013 at 6:04 PM

    This is so cute! I am happy for you!

    Reply
  125. September 11, 2013 at 6:20 PM

    I absolutely adore everything about this. Best friends often make the best boyfriends! So happy for you!

    Reply
  126. September 11, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    This post makes my heart so happy!!! I couldn't be more thrilled for you and reading it re-energized my own hope for myself :)

    Reply
  127. September 11, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    Homagah. :) :) :)

    Reply
  128. September 11, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    I leave blogland for 3 months and this is the first post I read coming back. This makes my heart beyond happy for you!!! Eeeeeek! Love Love Love this Whit!

    Reply
  129. September 11, 2013 at 6:59 PM

    So sweet!

    Reply
  130. September 11, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    Love it :) really well written. Happy for you!

    Reply
  131. September 11, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    You're a great writer Whitney! While I love your sassy pants, this post was a great read today :)

    Reply
  132. September 11, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    Whitney. Let's be real for a second. One, you are an AMAZING writer, this is really well written.
    Two, I've been struggling so much with this. I'm a senior in college and just like you, i've been on the sidelines or dated guys totally wrong for me to fill a void. Your post reminded me that I'm worth it and that there is someone waiting for me! Thanks for giving me that hope. <3 <3 <3

    Reply
  133. September 11, 2013 at 9:11 PM

    What an amazing story and you told it so well. So sweet.

    Reply
  134. September 11, 2013 at 9:23 PM

    Awwwwwww..... this is adorable. It made me smile and I 100% can relate (well, up until that last paragraph.... still the "best bud" over here).

    Congrats!!!!!!

    Reply
  135. September 11, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    Oh my goodness, this was 100% fantastic to read. So happy for you!!

    Reply
  136. September 11, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    holy crap bunny. you get boofranded, and your comments go bananersssss!!!

    Reply
  137. September 11, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    Ahhh I'm so happy for you! What an awesome story!

    Reply
  138. September 11, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    Awww!!!!! So happy for you, girl! :)

    Reply
  139. September 11, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    Yay, I love this story! Congrats!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    Reply
  140. September 11, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    What a lovely story! so happy for you :)

    Rowdy Fairy Blog

    Reply
  141. September 11, 2013 at 11:38 PM

    This made my heart smile!!! (:

    Reply
  142. September 11, 2013 at 11:45 PM

    You're finally out of the girlfriend closet! I knew something was up. That is a lovely story. I like the way you told it.

    I always had a boyfriend in high school and you know what.. it was a total waste of precious time I could have spent with good friends. I obviously don't regret it because it made me who I am today.. but if I could do it over, I'd choose the friends and ditch the stupid boyfriends.

    Looks like things were meant to be this way, anyway.

    Reply
  143. September 12, 2013 at 12:18 AM

    Love this, you deserve it baby! :)

    Reply
  144. September 12, 2013 at 12:40 AM

    Such a spin from yesterday's post & perfect. Congrats on finally being his girl.

    Reply
  145. September 12, 2013 at 1:09 AM

    KLJ:KLDFJ asfk;sadka;ldskf anvb !!!!!!!

    Reply
  146. September 12, 2013 at 2:10 AM

    Awwwwww yaaaaa!!! Too happy!! :)

    Reply
  147. September 12, 2013 at 3:08 AM

    I actually started tearing up at the end there. It's such an awesome story and I'm so happy you got your movie after all!

    Reply
  148. September 12, 2013 at 3:09 AM

    Thanks for sharing! I needed to hear a lovely story with a happy ending, especially since my (non-existent) love life is in the tubes right now. So happy for you!

    Reply
  149. September 12, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    A beautiful post ! Congratulations ! Ur story made me smile . Enjoyed your beautiful story!

    http://fashionfactive.com

    Reply
  150. September 12, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Ahh whit what a lovely story.. congratulations!!

    I know it must be super irritating to hear but seriously lady you are stunningly beautiful and I'm sure the boys in school were drooling over you from afar!! I hate it when people say it to me because I really was the kid that got dunked into dustbins and beaten up (haha) but you are beautiful and funny and talented don't ever forget that!! Hope you guys have an amazing future together xxxx

    www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com

    Reply
  151. September 12, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Such a great ending to what seemed like an impossible path for you! Its one of those stories that makes me take a deep breath and smile because it gives me hope :) Excited and hopeful for a fairy tale to continue for you! You go girl.

    Reply
  152. September 12, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    so glad we are finally sharing this news! You like how I said "we" like I am a part of this? So happy for you darlin! You deserve all the happiness in this world!

    Reply
  153. September 12, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    aww yay! congrats girl! Such a good story! Glad to see you happy!

    Reply
  154. September 12, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Oh my gosh! This just made me smile!! I am so happy for you sweetie!! You deserve nothing but the best and all the happiness in the world!!

    Reply
  155. September 12, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    Cute story! Sounds like you two make each other very happy :-) Congrats!

    Reply
  156. September 12, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    So happy for you, Whit!

    Reply
  157. September 12, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    I just LOVED reading this. I've been reading your page for the last 6 months at least (my computation of time is non-existent just an FYI lol) and have read bits and pieces of your ups and downs and this truly made me smile at the end. I wish you all the very best this world has to offer. I'm glad you're finally his girl and not just his best buddy. :)

    Reply
  158. September 12, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    Yay! I love love stories.

    Reply
  159. September 12, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    Gahhhh!!! I started tearing up at the beggining, because I totally related to you. I'm a hopeless romantic too, but never actually experience much of the real romance.

    And then I started tearing up when you began telling your relationship with your boo!!

    So happy for you!!! :)

    Reply
  160. September 12, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    WUT? Stop it. This needs to be a movie. I love this. CONGRATS!

    Reply
  161. September 12, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    oh my goodness can I cry?!!

    Reply
  162. September 12, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    I seriously just teared up. I am seriously beyond happy for you! This gives me a lot of hope for myself too. I'm a closet hopeless romantic and I'm always afraid I won't find someone who cares about me, or someone I can fully care about. But I read stories like this and they're inspiring. I wish y'all the best!

    Reply
  163. September 12, 2013 at 3:25 PM

    YAY!!! So happy for you!

    Reply
  164. September 12, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    YAY!!! So happy for you!

    Reply
  165. September 12, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    YAY!!! So happy for you!

    Reply
  166. September 12, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    Love this! I am a hopeless romantic too and there is nothing more ideal than being with your bestfriend!!

    Reply
  167. September 12, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    I love this!!!! My husband and I went to high school together and, like you, I was the best friend who watched him date other people and secretly (or not so secretly) hated it. Then college came and we met in our hometown one weekend to hang out and something different happened. He called me 4 days later and wanted to know if he could tell his buddies I was his girlfriend. :) 12 years later and we're still going strong (been married for 7 of those 12 years)! So happy for you!!!

    Reply
  168. September 12, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    Cheers to you girlfriend. This makes my heart so so happy.

    Reply
  169. September 12, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Holy shit. Goosebumps. Too cute. Congrats!

    Reply
  170. September 12, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    So happy for you! When you have a history with someone and start with friendships, it makes everything so much more special!

    Reply
  171. September 12, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    I've been rooting for you and Erin since I started following you both and I'm so so happy to hear that you found some one (pretty sure I'll be congratulating Erin soon too)! Your story is beautiful and the wait was totally worth it.

    Reply
  172. September 12, 2013 at 11:45 PM

    OH MY GOODNESS! This was the cutest thing I have ever read! I'm so happy for you!

    XOXO,
    Alexa
    alexa-stone.com

    Reply
  173. September 13, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    awww This made me tear up. I relate to everything you said....except finally finding the fairy tale. I'm still waiting on that.

    Reply
  174. September 13, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    Sorry I'm delayed, but this post made me smile! I'm SO happy for you. Good things come those who wait. :)

    Reply
  175. September 13, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    I'm soo happy for you!! such a sweet little story, ok more like long time coming

    Reply
  176. September 13, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    There is hope still for all of us hopeless romantics!

    Reply

Thanks for the love - I love hearing from each and every one of you. It makes my day!