Us millennials are known as the generation that puts off marriage and relationships. We hook up, do the famous, “walk of shame,” and go on with our lives; however, there are always exceptions. I am an exception, and not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for it.

If there is one thing I am told constantly it is that I am too young to be making such a big decision, but I remember at just a mere 16-years-old, everyone wanted to know what the heck I wanted to do for the rest of my life and where I was going to college to get the education for said career. I’m no newbie when it comes to making big decisions; even if it is forever.

Hi! My name is Emily Bloyd, I am 20 years old and I am married to my best friend. You probably think I’m a crazy person now, and that’s okay. The statistics are stacked against us young married couples. But here is why I am glad that I married young…

I get to grow up alongside my best friend.

My husband is 24, but because we matured at different rates, we both still have a bit of growing up to do, and we get to do that together, which is a learning experience in its self. I learn something new every day about being an adult and when he and I can learn that together, it keeps us on the same page, it strengthens our relationship and it makes me love him even more. We still have so much growing to do and to get to do that together is going to make for some great, “When you dad was…” stories for our children!

Those who facial together, stay together.

He is a constant in my life.

If I know one thing at 20 years young, it’s that things are constantly changing and very rarely do you find something that is constant. For one, I will never leave the house at the same time, I will never remember where I left my keys last night, and I will never know what homework is going to be thrown at me tomorrow; but what I do know is that my husband is ALWAYS going to be there for me, and he is always going to be there to support me. He is the constant in my life.

I don’t have to figure out who I’m supposed to be on my own.

I’ve experienced a ton of personal growth in the past few years and my husband as pushed me and encouraged me to reach towards my full potential. He is one of my biggest supporters when it comes to learning and gaining new experiences. He knows what I want to do and reminds me that it is A-OK when I change my mind and he’s there when I fall because no one is perfect and we all make mistakes.

Some may say we are too comfortable with one another, and that’s okay.

Our boundaries were pushed to the limit LONG ago. I no longer have to worry about if my legs are shaved every night or if my makeup is done around him. I am young and I am perfectly comfortable being exactly who I am around the person I love; and that is one of the best feelings.

I find him to be incredibly amazing when he’s doing one of life’s every day activities; such as doing the dishes or brushing his teeth. He may not have showered yet and he still has that sleepy smile on his face, but it is the smile of the man I fell in love with and I fall in love with over and over every single day.

A life time with my soul mate.

I remember the day I met my soul mate, it was when I least expected it; and that makes it that much better. It’s a feeling that no one can really put into words, you only understand it once you have it. You know that feeling you have with your best friend; where they just get you, they just know you. It’s like that, but you’re in love. He knows everything about me, and some days, he even knows me better than I know myself, and I get all of this until death do us part.

I got married young, and there has not been one day that I have regretted it. I still remember the day I knew I was going to marry the man sitting next to me. He made mac and cheese, we were watching the notebook and he looked at me when I had my mouth full and he smiled like I was the most beautiful person he knew; it was in that moment, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.