Drew & Janine
Today, we celebrate the #RealLifeRealLove story of Drew and Janine. Words like home, inspiration, support and growth are used to describe the loving partnership they share. Below is a sneak-peak into their journey as a couple.
Our relationship feels like home. Some people think familiarity breeds boredom, but we've found the opposite to be true.
1) HOW DID YOU MEET? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER FOR?
We met at a friend's birthday party that neither of us had planned to attend, as Drew had bronchitis and Janine decided to go last minute. It was a balmy July evening and when Janine walked out on the twinkly-lit bar patio, Drew says it was love at first sight. He decided he had to talk to her and opened with the awkward line: "So, what do you do?" After everyone else left the bar for the night, Drew sat outside on the steps with Janine to wait with her for her ride, proving chivalry isn't dead. Although we started a friendship that night, we didn't actually get together for months later. We dated for 5 years before getting married on August 26, 2016.
2) WAS THERE A TIME IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WHEN YOU CONSIDERED ENDING THE RELATIONSHIP? IF YES, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE ON?
Surprisingly, the beginning of our relationship was the most tumultuous. Janine was recently out of a long-term relationship and feeling like she had to figure out her career path and life before getting involved with someone new. Drew was wanting a commitment from Janine before she was willing to offer one. We also had some big stresses early on in our relationship like Drew getting laid off, Janine growing a business, and moving in together earlier than anticipated. This meant we had to get used to living together very early on in our relationship and basically skipping that puppy love dating phase. We continued on because we knew that we wanted to be together and our love was worth fighting for, even when things got hard. We held each other steady and went through those fires together, and despite our early struggles, we came out more resilient than ever and have always had a deep connection where we've made each other feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
3) THROUGHOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP, HOW IS IT THAT YOUR PARTNER ALLOWS YOU TO GROW AND CHANGE WHILE SUPPORTING YOU IN LIFE?
Janine has given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and take more risks, from trying new foods to getting on planes and traveling to new places. She's made me want to be a better partner and person, while also inviting me to be more adventurous in life. - Drew
Drew has challenged me to chase my dreams and given me permission to be my own person while also encouraging me to lean into him and ask for his support when I want it. Where I used to only see strength in my independence, now I can see how a loving and supportive partner can make me even stronger. It's not about needing each other. It's about being better together. - Janine
photo by @zekar_photography_studio
We have always had a deep connection where we've made each other feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
4) WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS AND LOVE? WHAT DO YOU WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU?
Drew: Sometimes it can feel easier to be with someone who isn't going to challenge you to grow, but the right person makes you a better person and partner, and it's important not to settle.
Janine: The idea of "falling in love" and "falling out of love" can feel very passive - like something that happens TO you. But in my experience, love has always been a choice. Choosing to be kind even when you're upset. Choosing to show up and put the work in even when you're in a hard season as a couple. Choosing to forgive and trust in your partner even when you feel hurt. Love is about choosing each other, every day.
5) WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE GREATEST GIFTS THIS RELATIONSHIP HAS GIVEN YOU?
Our relationship feels like home. Some people think familiarity breeds boredom, but we've found the opposite to be true. Because we feel so comfortable with one another, it makes us feel safe enough to fully express ourselves, be more adventurous, and challenge ourselves in life and love. We're best friends and genuinely like each other - and we enjoy our life experiences that much more because we get to share them with each other.
6) WHAT MAKES YOUR RELATIONSHIP WORK?
We truly want each other to succeed and have one another's best interests at heart. We realize that for us to be at our best as individuals, our relationship needs to be at its best too. We've learned how to communicate what we need from one another in our relationship more openly and honestly, so the way we're showing love to one another is more meaningful.