Most of us can’t help falling for cheesy rom-coms and beautiful love stories. We get drawn in by the idea of meeting “the one” and the possibility of having a rich and deep connection with that person. Despite the joy we get from the idea of romance, not everyone actually believes in it.

That’s why, to help restore people's faith in love, we’ve compiled a list of stories from married couples as they reveal how exactly they knew their spouse was the one. Fair warning: you may turn into a pile of mush after reading these posts.

More info: Reddit

#1

Because it was easy from the start, no games, no wondering if he’d call; He always did.
And he made me laugh.
Ten years on, still making me laugh every day.

Image credits: PlusAd5893

#2

It’s really something silly, and it was only one of many things that lead to the realization. I had slept in and missed saying goodbye when he left for work. I called to tell him to have a good day and to tease him about not giving me a goodbye kiss. 10 minutes later he walked through the door, gave me a kiss, and then left for work again. He was always doing sweet and playful things like that, and in that moment I realize I didn’t want anyone else. Within weeks we were engaged, and 5 months later we were married. We celebrated 14yrs last month.

Image credits: Digital_Punk

#3

I was standing in the grocery store in 2014 and made a chicken noise.

he made a chicken noise back.

true love.

Image credits: WearyEnthusiasm6643

Would it shock you to know that around 40% of married couples were friends before they actually started dating? It does make sense, because a good emotional connection and a great camaraderie can help form a solid base for a relationship. A lot of the answers on this list say just that, which is great news because it may just help widen your dating pool!

We decided to reach out to one married couple, Vamsi and Brennen, to hear exactly how they knew their partner was the one. We also asked them for advice on how to maintain a relationship like this and keep it strong. You can find their answers below.

#4

We had hung out with another friend a couple of times. I made plans to visit the friend and friend recommended that I invite now wife to come along since she lived near me. After driving for 7 hours each way and having fun conversations the whole time, I was pretty sure we should be together. Still together 35 years and married for 30.

Image credits: MokshaofAberoth

#5

Easiest relationship I’ve ever had and was from the first date. I knew by the time we ordered dessert on that date we’d probably get married. No drama or second guessing anything. Happily married for 13 years and it’s still easy.

Image credits: LordyIHopeThereIsPie

#6

This is gonna be a weird story, but ok.

We knew each other for a couple of months when we both got invited to a mutual friends’ birthday party. She wasn’t feeling great, but she came anyway, because there were some others there that we hadn’t seen for quite a bit and she wanted to say hi. So, after a few hours she said she felt worse, and asked if someone could help her get home. So a friend and I said sure, we’ll walk with you. We walked the way to her house, which was about 15 minutes, and when we got there she got dizzy and was on the verge of feinting. I saw her wobble, grabbed on to her and then she just sagged in my arms. Only for a few seconds, but she was out of it. She opened her eyes, looked at me, and BLAM! Fireworks, butterflies, everything all at once.

This was at her parents house, so her father walked into the hallway to look wat was going on and he saw me there holding his daughter and gave me a ‘stern look’, untill she explained what happened.

We went on a date a few weeks later, and that was the first day of 19 years so far.

Image credits: Bdr1983

We first spoke to Vamsi Krishna, who goes by the artist name Evoke. She is a singer-songwriter and vocal coach who teaches Western vocal techniques and songwriting to students of all ages and walks of life. She has also released some original singles independently in English, Hindi, and Telugu. We asked Vamsi how she knew Brennen was the one.

Vamsi said: “We actually got to know each other at a deeper level when we both were part of a musical show in our college. I was singing, and he was dancing. That fun and excitement was a really conducive atmosphere for us to get closer as friends. We used to hang out post rehearsals and just lose track of time, it was like the whole world around us would melt away when we were together.” 

“I had never felt this level of magic and comfort with anyone before. It was honestly not just one moment, it was many beautiful moments that just made our love flow naturally and easily. He always had a way of making me feel special and truly cared for. It’s the same even to this day, after 16 years of being together and 9 years of marriage,” she added.

#7

He told me “loving you is easy”. Idk why that really gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. Maybe cause no else said it to me.

Image credits: Conscious-Peak4231

#8

First night I met her – she was a friend of a friend and neither of us was looking for a partner at the time. Much later in the evening I saw her dancing on her own, and like really going for it as well. She just stood out so much, compared to all the other girls on the dance floor and I just thought “yep…..shes the one for me”.

We’ve been together 18 years this year, 11 married and have a teenage daughter now.

Image credits: DonKiddic

#9

She never made me feel like I had to put on a show to be someone I’m not. I’m very introverted, but can muster enough confidence to be outgoing if I need to be. She just lets me be myself.

I know it’s normal for most healthy relationships, but we can just be goofballs together, but also take care of the serious business when the time calls for it. Prior to my now wife, most relationships seemed to be lacking that balance.

Image credits: ABlessedLobster

We also got to hear Brennen’s side of the story. Teaching since 2010, Brennen Thomas is an ICP-certified skating coach and national medalist who works with students across Mumbai to provide private and group coaching.

Brennen shared that he and Vamsi “started out as friends [and then] became best friends. Even though I was generally a quiet person, I [couldn’t stop] talking to her. There was a genuine want to watch each other progress and grow. It felt very natural: the jokes, the compliments, and the feeling of being valued.” 

“There were multiple coincidences–saying the same things at the same time. For me, our hearts and bodies fit just right, I never felt like she was a stranger. There was always a feeling of extreme familiarity and comfort. Many meant-to-be moments and alignment of events. Other than that, she’s of course, beautiful, talented, and has a beautiful, strong positive vibe,” he shared.

#10

I posted this a while back, but it’s a good story.
We had only been dating for three months, so still some awkwardness here and there. I was working an outrageous amount, and I got phone call that one of my very good friends had just died in a car accident.

I don’t really remember walking there, but instead of my apartment, I ended up at hers. She opened the door to her new boyfriend half-ugly-sobbing.

Instead of being (rightly) weirded out, she listened and cried with me for a couple hours.

The friend who died was the one who had encouraged me (for like six months) to ask my now-wife out. My friend never knew the impact she had.

My wife and I have been married for 15 years now.

Image credits: d_b_cooper

#11

When I yelled out “Hey! You wanna go get some fried chicken and catch a flick?” From across the room at a college party and she instantly started walking towards me and yelled out “f**k yeah!” Been together for 28 years married 24.

Image credits: ripper4444

#12

He made pigeon noises at me over the capsicums (‘peppers’) in the supermarket.

We’d been together 3 months, we were 17 & 18 at the time. We’re now 42 & 43, and he’ll still make random bird noises at me sometimes. One of our teens joins in sometimes, the other is more likely to meow at us from across the room.

It encapsulated the fact that he didn’t care what other people thought, just that he wanted to make me smile. (Also we now know that it’s because we’ve both got ADHD and we bounce off each-other).

Image credits: Annual_Reindeer2621

Even if you have the best relationship, it’s still essential to maintain it and keep the spark alive. We asked Vamsi and Brennen what advice they would give to newly married couples to sustain their connection.

Brennen said, “be patient with each other. There will be times when you both are not on the same page or aren’t at the same level mentally and emotionally. Have compassion and try not to over react [about] things just out of habit. Be self-aware and try to resolve things with love and understanding, no matter how much it’s triggering you in the moment.”

“Expressing emotions, feelings, and thoughts, letting the other person in, in a vulnerable way, really deepens the relationship and makes them feel like they’re a team with you. Always keep developing yourself, too. The more you progress spiritually and have better emotional control, develop self love and confidence, the more you can feel love for your spouse and the happier you will be together,” he added.

#13

She gave me a wry smile and invited me back to her dorm room “for a bit of fun”.  Then when we got there she pulled out Clue, a magnifying glass, and a bubble pipe.  

In love ever since.

#14

We were both Star Trek fans, so I invited her over to my place to watch it. She replied with “will you marry me and be the father of my children?” Four months later I proposed (on her birthday). We got married the following year. It’s now 37 years and counting. And she still likes me!

Image credits: blaurhino

#15

I spoke to her on the phone.

Fifteen minutes. Seven green flags. One OMG. I knew. It was unmistakable, and I had no doubts.

I fought to marry her: Family. The state. People who didn’t want us to marry because they thought marriage was a bad idea for everyone.

We married anyway.

We have been married for 14 years.

I still have no doubts.

There are people who doubt the institution of marriage.

Don’t be one of those people. Don’t doubt yourself.

It seems like the best way to have a good marriage is to keep working on yourself and treat your partner like a teammate rather than a rival. Vamsi shared her advice for newly married couples. She said, “honestly, the biggest thing I’ve learned in this marriage is: humility goes a long way. Ego has no place in a loving marriage.” 

“Arguing and fighting with your spouse, just to feel like you’re right, doesn’t get you anywhere good. Knowing when to apologize and [the] willingness to change something causing the relationship trouble is so important from both ends. Basically, both of us need to have a strong desire for peace and a happy, strong marriage.”

She also added that “honesty and vulnerability are great in a marriage. Also creating a safe space for each other to be honest and vulnerable without making them feel guilty or judged. Other than that, remember to just have fun by yourself and [with] each other!”

#16

He was the funniest guy in every room and I knew his heart was as big as his humor. He made me feel the safest I ever had.. to this day I still crush out on the guy.

Image credits: Maezymable

#17

Everyone else I would become repulsed by after a few months.. lol  

 I had some pretty deep rooted trauma and friendzoned him for 10 years and he just waited for me…i genuinely enjoyed his company and I realized I had the perfect guy right under my nose the entire time and initiated us dating, but was very traumatized so our [intimate] life was pretty much non existent… he would just sit there with me and let me be. He made me feel safe and that's when I knew he was the one.  .

Image credits: Terrible_Choice4151

#18

I met and married my wife in less than 4 months. I knew she was the one for me because I had never met a more loving, caring and empathetic person in my life. Her sense of humor, personality, life outlook and goals all meshed with mine.

We have been married almost 40 years. Best thing that has EVER HAPPENED to me.

It can happen.

Image credits: anycaliberwilldo99

Even with all these stories about knowing the relationship was meant to be, it might still be tough to know what makes someone perfect for you. We decided to pose the question to Vamsi and Brennen so that they could give folks pointers on how to spot “the one” in their lives.

Vamsi explained that “it should never feel hard, at least in the beginning. Talking should feel easy, [with] no unnecessary games, [and] no complications. Most importantly, even mundane things should feel beautiful with this person.”

She added that “it’s easy to enjoy a well-planned fun date with anyone, but who can you see [yourself] grocery shopping with, doing laundry, or sitting in traffic with and still having a great time?”

Brennen added that you should “just ask yourself: Even at our worst, would I still be happier being with this person, working things out, or would I genuinely be happier being by myself?”

#19

She talked about being a mom and how it was going to happen. Worst case she would just adopt and do it alone. She would hate it as she wanted to start a family with someone but she wanted to be a mom more than having to wait for the right guy.

This was from an executive in the advertising industry who was five years younger than me, and yet she had climbed higher on the corporate ladder. She’s an absolute rockstar in the corporate world, she’s stunning, literally a head turner in any bar (and stubborn in not admitting that she does actual turn heads) and the most family oriented person you can imagine.

We’ve been together 12 years now, married 10, two boys and we have dinner every night as a family. I still can’t believe she’s mine.

#20

I’ve always felt when I began loving her for what she wasn’t. I fell in love with her faults and realized that we balanced each other. She loved me for me, and I’d never had that before.

Image credits: so00ripped

#21

I was married for 11 years and it’s ended about a year before. I met a new girl and we started dating and it got more serious. I really liked her but had no intention of ever getting remarried.

She took a 2 week trip from California to China. Within a day I missed her. Then I thought of the possibility that she might be in a plane crash and the idea of never seeing her again devastated me. I then realized I was in love. I knew we had to be together forever.

Of course she made it home ok. We celebrated 22 years of marriage this July and have three children.

Image credits: dma1965

These beautiful love stories show that humor, empathy, friendship, and joy are way more important for a relationship to thrive than relying on physical attraction alone. That’s why, unlike movie romance stories, these ones will actually stand the test of time.

Do you believe in true love? If so, which story on this list resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.

#22

My last relationship was really traumatizing and I was not interested in dating anyone at all. But he pursued me very gently and persistently for months, and I just thought why not give someone who actually treats you well a chance? The night of our first date we made out and we’ve been together ever since, that was 12 years ago. But I knew he was husband material when he escorted me home after that first date. I was very tired and he didn’t want me to fall asleep on the subway. He knew I lived with my mom and that he wouldn’t be coming in before he even offered. And it was a very long trip for him to go home after since it was late and service is reduced overnight. He just displayed a level of concern and protection that I was unaccustomed to and it really opened my eyes. Best decision I ever made was to go out with him. He’s my best friend, he makes me laugh all the time, and I still find him wildly attractive.

Image credits: StevenAssantisFoot

#23

After we had been together for 4 years I asked her to marry me and she said ” you don’t have to marry me, I’d follow you to the ends of the earth anyway”
That was reassuring ?

Some long time later she told me that after the very first evening we met she told her grandmother ” I’ve met the boy I’m going to marry”

What other choice did I have!

Image credits: Waves_n_Photons

#24

It was such a small, random moment.

We had only been dating a couple of weeks, and we were driving to see a movie. He said something that made me laugh and put his hand on my knee and I just remember looking over at him and having this moment of realisation – being with him was so easy, so fun, and I felt so light and happy. I had this deep feeling of “this is right, this is it”.

A decade and 2 kids later, I still feel that way around him.

Image credits: Fun_Pomelo_5972

#25

Sure, we loved each other and did not want life without the other but one discussion nailed it. We decided that we felt really safe around each other and could at the very worst can tolerate the other’s habits. Also had some solutions agreed to for certain habits.

That night I decided I’d propose and talked to a friend to help me with a ring over the weekend. She later told me it was that same weekend she told her parents yeah, he’s the one.

Married 11 years now. Two cats.

Image credits: tango421

#26

Sundays. My favorite day of the week with her. Whether it was sitting quietly with books or running mundane errands to prep for the coming week, the test, for me at least, was how happily we spent our Sundays. Friday and Saturday nights are easy. But if you can consistently spend a good Sunday with someone, you have a keeper.

Image credits: gallegos

#27

When we first started dating there was a year or so when we lived a few hours apart. It was really hard to leave. One time it was early morning and I had already said goodbye. I got in my car in the parking lot and noticed that he was running towards me in his boxers. It was cold and it was so silly. I couldn’t stop laughing but also had major butterflies. He wanted to give me one more kiss goodbye. A fool in love and that’s never changed.

We’ve been together almost 12 years, married almost 7. He makes me feel like I can do anything, he makes me feel beautiful and kind. I know he’s got my back. We’ve been through a lot and some dark times but at the end of the day, I’d rather do the s****y stuff with him.

Image credits: Milo_and_Bloo

#28

I’ve always felt safe with him. But the big moment for me was when I had an awful fight with some of my folks that ended with them kicking us out of their house and telling me to never contact them again. It was a s****y situation to be in. I was ugly crying and my biggest concern was that he would decide that it’s just too much drama and c**p and leave me. I had pulled over on the side of the road, bawling my eyes out and he got out of the other car, gave me a hug and said “I always knew you had a rocky relationship with your old man”. No judgement, no adding to the stress just there to comfort and support me.

#29

If you know you know… I met my wife on an airplane, we were married 3 months later. Coming up on 24 years now.

#30

This was when we were friends, before we even started dating. My sister attempted, ended up in hospital, just before her birthday. Obviously it was a really difficult time for her and for all of us. He specifically bought her a board game so that we could spend time playing it together as a family.

Image credits: mershrerm

#31

When I saw that he could handle my crazy and instead of combating me, calmed me down and made me feel at ease. That’s when I knew, this man is a keeper and he really cares about me and not about winning some stupid fight.

Also the way he worships and looks after me. Coffee made every morning, tells me he loves me everyday, call me beautiful all the time even when I feel the ugliest, and takes “moments” to appreciate the love he has for me, no matter where we are – middle of a grocery store, when we’re driving, or if we’re cooking dinner together.

I love my husband. I am so incredibly lucky to find him.

Image credits: sleepandtvgood

#32

I broke up with her after a year,

And within a day I realized that was the biggest mistake I ever did.

(We are together since we are 18yo and we are now 36yo).

#33

I’d never met anyone like him. We just clicked immediately: same values and sense of humor. He completely accepted me as I am and became my best friend in a week. Together 9 years. .

Image credits: Ameliefun

#34

98% of the time we have our ups and 2% we have our downs. When we do have our downs, we like to discuss the problem together and figure out a way so this issue doesn’t happen again and it makes us stronger as a couple. Our relationship from the beginning felt like a strong flowing river, it felt so natural with few bumpy rocks here and there. Your gut feeling will know 😉

Source: high school sweethearts 2 years married 12 years dating = 14 years of friendship :).

Image credits: OneLoveOneMouse

#35

I knew for sure when my sister died. The amount of consideration and effort he showed was outstanding, and sitting next to him at the funeral I knew that would be the end of us too- one of us would die.

It’s been 18 years now, we’re going strong. Too many f****n deaths though, I feel a little cursed.

Image credits: InadmissibleHug

#36

I figured she had all my money, and that a future divorce would mean I could get half back…
*(have been annoying her with this one for 19 years (and hope to do so for many, many more)).

Image credits: 3Mark3

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