Congratulations? I guess so...

In the past two days, two people have congratulated me when I tell them that I am moving in with my boyfriend in TWO WEEKS! When my neighbor said it, I thought to myself, That's a little strange--congratulations? But when my chiropractor said congratulations yesterday, I started thinking about it differently. She was so genuinely excited for me, and I realized that I suppose it is something to be congratulated.

For James and I, moving in together is a big step in our relationship and it means that we've made it to a point where we are ready to take the proverbial "next step." We have worked hard on our relationship and we've accomplished a lot as a couple, so congratulations are probably in order. I know James deserves a huge congratulations for putting up with me for almost two years, and I deserve a congratulations too for not scaring him away with my intense (as he likes to call it) personality.

For the more traditional folks out there, it may seem that saying congratulations to a couple for moving in together before being married is only condoning what you might consider immoral. I understand that, and even respect it, as I used to think that the only man I would live with would be my husband. Well he may not be my husband yet, but he will be some day, so I guess I wasn't wrong when I said that. I've learned in being with James that it's not just my plans that matter--I'll admit, I didn't have that figured out in past relationships where I totally thought I was the boss. Living together before being married (and even engaged) is important to James, and it's become important to me. He says that it's to "be sure" about us, even though we know we're already sure, but in reality it is just a step that we think is right for us on our journey. And ultimately, that's what is most important--us. So, congratulations babe! Two weeks away from the next step in our great adventure!