Rules

There are so many "rules" when it comes to how you are supposed to live your life. You're supposed to date for a couple years, move in together, get engaged, have the "perfect" wedding, wait a couple more years, then have a couple of babies. Obviously I haven't followed those rules. The relationship I have with Jake has always defied rules- we have been dating since high school (he was 15, I was 16 when we first started dating). Although we did split up for a few months before he graduated high school, we have been dating 8 years. We've lived together for the past 3 years. Of course we discussed marriage but I subscribe to the theory "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". And we aren't broke in anyway...another way we have defied the rules? Having a baby has made us stronger, which is how it should be. Too many couples who are going through a rough time or think "let's just try this one last idea to see if it keeps us together" think that a baby is the answer. It's not. If you aren't happy together you can't raise a child together. And too many of these couples are just following the "rules"- they feel like it's what they are "supposed" to do.
Here's a new idea- do what you want to do. If we had a dollar for every time we have heard "so when are you going to tie the knot", Jake and I could pay for this "perfect" wedding we are supposed to have. Except we would go buy diapers...much better use of that money. That one "perfect" day isn't a clear representation of your life because life isn't perfect. Make your own rules- have a baby before you're married. Get married, then move in together. Get engaged, then have a baby. Or do none of the above. Who cares? Only those insecure in their own life will criticize yours.