Hi OP here! Omg, an email popped up. I hadn't forgotten about this thread, how can I, you guys were part of a pivotal point in my life! I'm going to do a super long update so apologies in advance.
We've taken things really slowly. Due to culture, we do have a bit of an unconventional set up which some people would think wasn't right but it works for us. We have kept our relationship hidden and that was absolutely the right decision. We aren't seen together in my area but otherwise hang out everywhere else. This is not because I'm ashamed of him or he's my dirty little secret. Far from it. I live in an Asian area and I guess if you're not from that culture you might find it hard to understand. Happy to answer questions if it helps you understand.
Around 3m in I met his family but he introduced me as his friend at my request. By the end of the day, we'd been rumbled and they suspected we were more than just friends! I was very surprised as we displayed no behaviour to indicate we were a couple. They said the giveaway was just the way he was with me. 🤷🏻
We hang out as much as we can but it's difficult as I'm pretty busy with mum stuff and finding time alone is tricky. We try to spend a couple of hours just the two of us every week just doing anything.
I took the kids to Wales for a break in half term and he joined us for a few days, separate rooms, of course! We've managed to not have sex, which I thought would be easy but, no it's not! 😂
Anyway, all of this weirdness to respect my culture and religion will be over as we are engaged! You are all invited, of course! I am so excited! The wedding looks like it will be near Xmas. It'll be a small affair and we are still figuring things out. Yes, he did convert so we could marry...that was pretty stressful, I could have lost him.
Last year, I was so nervous, giddy and full of excitement with the relationship but today it feels different. I have definitely fallen in love with him. It sounds boring but it feels safe, comfortable, like wearing your favourite blanket in winter. It just feels so right. I have never had this before and in the back of my mind am worried that something is going to go horribly wrong.
I'm really looking forward to getting married so we can start our next chapter. We both ( he's seen the thread!), must thank you guys for helping me with that initial text, as left to my own devices, i most probably would have ignored / made a joke of it.