Did I come to college in search of a husband? No.
Was I hoping deep down that the man of my dreams would waltz into my life one day and sweep me off my feet? Duh. Who doesn't?
I came to college as an intended hospitality major and in my second semester of freshman year I changed my major to communication. And somewhere along the way, I became a double major starting my MRS degree.
My prince charming in the flesh and blood appeared to me out of nowhere and swept me off my feet (literally, with a piggyback ride), and we both fell madly in love with each other at first sight. Don't believe these things happen in real life? They do. Whoever told you fairy tales don't exist is simply being pessimistic.
Now, there are multiple definitions of "MRS degree" out there. My personal definition is a bit different.
To me, working on my MRS degree means that I am dedicated to my relationship and it is a top priority of mine. It means that I commit just as much time and effort into our relationship as I do with my schoolwork, if not more.
Let me clarify. I care very much about my actual degree and major and have consistently maintained being an A student. I am not simply throwing out my ambitions and dedication to my future to throw myself at a man.
However, I'm also not the type of girl to put career goals over my relationship when I know our love is true. At the end of the day, we work to live, not live to work, right? So I will always focus the majority of my energy on my personal life.
Yes, I have goals and aspirations, but I am willing to be flexible with them and follow my future husband wherever he needs to go for work. Would I do this for any man? Absolutely not.
My boyfriend has proven time and time again that we were 100% made for each other and that we are the happiest when we are together, through the good times and especially the bad. We accept each other fully, flaws and all. Even though we are going on three years, we knew month one we would never be able to go through life without each other again.
When I say that I unashamedly am working on my MRS degree, I mean that my relationship, therefore my happiness, is my number one priority.
If we have something planned, I will plan out my work accordingly beforehand. If my boyfriend needs me, I will cancel plans. While I do have friends, nothing compares to the friendship I have with my man.
Keep in mind that this is not a one-way street. My boyfriend puts our relationship as his top priority as well. If only one person is compromising and putting the other person first, that is not love. That is manipulation.
I fully intend on marrying this man and making him feel like he is below a single thing on my list of priorities is not something I am willing to let happen.
I am working on my MRS degree because this man will one day be my husband and I refuse to put our relationship on the backburner for anything. I want him to always know that he is loved, and of course, he always reciprocates.
Some may say we're too young to be able to make such a serious commitment. Others may say my career should be my top priority above all else. Some may even dare to say I'm making a mistake by not putting myself and friendships and college experiences above settling down with a man.
To them I say: I refuse to live a life that I will look back on and regret when my time comes.
Do I want to think about how I put my career above any compromise with my boyfriend? I hardly believe I would be happy to say, "I sure am glad I took that opportunity instead of spending time with the one I love."
Will I want to look back on how I lived a life putting other people and experiences first, simply so that society wouldn't criticize me? Hell no.
My boyfriend is my future husband and he is and always will be first and foremost my top priority.
Fairy tales do exist, and if you're willing to put in the effort, happy endings do too.
