But with her, everything felt different.

I always wanted to be near her because she made me feel loved in ways I’d never known. She valued my presence and never made me feel unworthy of her affection.

A few months into our relationship, I proposed. I was certain Allison was the one, and she said yes without a pause, her face lighting up at the sight of the ring I’d chosen.

“I can’t believe you said yes,” I told her one day. “I don’t know how I got so lucky, Allison.”