Meet Jen and Greg
“I have my wings and he is there for me to fly.”
Our #RealLoveRealLife series passes the mic to our community members so that they can share their own stories and create space for more authentic conversation on relationships, dating, love and life.
Q: How did you meet your partner? How long have you been together for?
A: My partner and I met through our parents. They had met through work and also became friends. We met briefly 2 years prior to meeting again and having interest in one another. Our first and second meetings were in California (both of us live in Calgary but parents have places down there) and included our parents and kids due to the nature of how we met.
He pursued me shortly after returning to Calgary to get together with the kids. For the next month we spent time together just the 2 of us but also with the kids around. We did not act like a dating couple in front of the children for a few months even though we were in love after a month.
This November will be our one year wedding anniversary and our fifth year together.
Q: What drew you to your partner?
A: I very much enjoyed our conversation and time together. I found he was interested in me and a good listener but also made me laugh. As I got to know him better I became more enticed because of his support and care for me. I knew I wanted my next (final) partner to feel like a partner and that we were on the same team. I feel loved and supported every day.
Q: Throughout your relationship, how is it that your partner allows you to grow and change while supporting you in life?
A: I find it challenging to navigate being a blended family mother of 3 and having an independent working role. My partner has listened to me debate interests, covered with the kids so I can get a full workday in and been a supportive husband through the process. I have my wings and he is there for me to fly.
Q: Was there a time in your relationship you considered ending the relationship? If yes, what made you decide to continue on?
A: No. I’m pleased to write a short answer but the truth in that answer is that because of the time and process I took I didn’t have doubts. As this was the first beginning of a relationship that would involve my children it was a huge deal and I didn’t take the responsibility lightly.
Q: What would you say to your younger self about relationships and love? What do you wish someone would have told you?
A: I would go back and tell my earlier self to not be afraid to be authentic in relationships. The only relationship being in is the one that matches with who you really are. The hard part is having the patience to wait it out when it feels like it is happening for everyone else around you.
Q: What would you say are the greatest gifts this relationship has given you?
A: Trust – feeling and knowing that someone is there for me. Confidence – to be myself and happy with that. Support – team feeling with unconditional love
Q: What makes your relationship work?
A: Balance. The proof of this is that during the COVID-19 shutdown our unbalanced family life took a toll requiring a number of parent meetings to deal with issues. We are fortunate to enjoy a variety schedule that allows for times when we don’t have any kids at home for a weekend, all 3 or other times only one or two. This allows for the prior and new relationships to be nurtured.
Ready to share your story with us? email payten@realloveready.com to find out how!