On the 20th of August 2024, Dan and I marked five years together with a trip to the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. This wasn’t just any trip – it was something Dan had spoken about since we first met. Finally being there with him felt like more than a getaway; it was a milestone, a moment that symbolised how far we’ve come and the chapters still waiting to be written. The hotel, with all its beauty and history, provided the perfect backdrop for us to pause, reconnect, and just focus on each other.
I must admit, this post should have been written weeks ago. But between work and hitting a bit of a writer’s block, it’s taken me until now to share it. Better late than never, right?
It’s better to have a man who stands by you, than the one who just wants you in his bed.’
Reflecting on the past five years, I see just how much we’ve been through together. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing – in fact, this past year was particularly challenging. There were moments when it felt like we were drifting apart, each struggling to find our footing. But something shifted late last year. We started seeing each other in a new light, and most importantly, we began respecting each other’s needs in ways we hadn’t before.
For me, faith has been my anchor. When the waves hit, I leaned on my beliefs to guide me – giving me the strength to be forgiving, to see the bigger picture and eventually open my heart to healing. Without it, I’m not sure we’d still be standing together today.
Dan, through it all, has been my constant. He tells me he loves me multiple times a day – not out of habit, but because he genuinely means it. It’s in the little things he does, the way he stands by me, that I’m reminded why we’ve made it this far.
Relationships, I’ve learned, aren’t about grand gestures or fairy-tale moments. They’re built in the everyday – the shared shopping trips, the household chores, the hospital appointments, supporting each other’s work, the lifts from a to b, the simple but intentional acts of love.
Five years feels like a milestone, but it’s also a reminder that relationships take work. They aren’t a guarantee of smooth sailing; there will be highs that lift you and lows that test every fibre of your being. In those moments, you have to dig deep, find your calm, and remember why you’re in it.
Dan drives me mad sometimes – what couple doesn’t? But he’s also the person who loves me through it all, who shows up even when things get tough. And that’s what keeps me in this journey, that’s what makes me hopeful for the future.
16 Comments
Thanks for being so candid in this reflections. Relationships are truly hard and one needs to work at them to maintain them. Sounds you both are doing really well and I wish you more years filled with love and happiness.
Thank you for your best wishes and for reading my blog Emily ☺️
This really hit home for me. Relationships aren’t perfect, and it’s refreshing to see someone share the real work behind the love. Your journey reminds me that patience and faith are key. Thank you for sharing your story!
Not perfect at all! Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to leave a comment.
Your honesty about the tough times is what makes this post so relatable. It’s true that love isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it when both people are committed. Thank you for this heartfelt reminder of what matters most.
Learning to be mushy hahahah .. thank you Lucy!
Beautiful reflection and a well written blog. Kudos
Thank you Shaabana and I hope you will find my other blogs just as well written ☺️
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. It’s true that relationships aren’t fairy tales but shared effort and understanding. Your story is inspiring!
Inspiring isn’t what I would have thought of but I get where you are coming from Lorna. As long as it touched something in you, then I’ll take that.
Glad I landed on your blog Salha and I appreciate the honesty about the struggles and growth. Your story is a reminder that relationships are about choosing each other every day, even when it’s tough. With love, all will be well xx
The choosing each other is what we go for Mrs Green hahah. Thank you for stopping by my blog, knowing how busy you are. x
What a beautifully honest reflection on the ups and downs of relationships. It’s inspiring to see how much intention and faith go into building something meaningful. Wishing you and Dan many more happy years together!
Thank you, thank you and thank you Maria x
Salha, I love how you’ve placed faith at the centre of your relationship. It’s a powerful message, and it shows in the strength of your bond with Dan. Wishing you both continued happiness and growth xx
My faith has been my guiding light and actor all my life.. if it doesn’t please my God, then it’s not worth it. Thank you Mable.