I come from a divorced family. I am the only child, and the only one of my friends that has gone through a parents' divorce.

My parents got divorced when I was around five years old. I definitely don't remember experiencing them being married and I don't think I will ever really see one of my parents married again either. They got divorced, not because of cheating or falling out of love, but a different reason that I'm not ready to share about.

Years later, here I am, still not having any idea of what a "real" marriage looks like. I will never be able to say that it's my parents' anniversary and I won't be able to just have one home. I will always have two parents, with two separate lives and homes in different places. Luckily, I don't have to experience two different Christmases anymore or separate weekends, but the results of my parents's unhappy ending still has me in fear of repeating their mistakes.

Obviously, my parents didn't plan on getting divorced. But life happened and they didn't end up being right for each other. I don't know what it's like to see happy parents or live in a picture-perfect family. And I'm completely afraid of ending up with the same life for myself.

I pray almost daily that I will meet a nice man with a good and sweet heart. I pray that we can get through anything together and that we will come out of it stronger than ever. I pray that my kids won't have to worry about what weekend they'll be at whose house and that they can see their parents happy and married. I pray that we can keep our vows and love each other until death do us part. I want that 50 year anniversary party with all my grandkids around us. I want to be the epitome of #RelationshipGoals, no matter how difficult life can get. I want to give my heart fully to one person and for him to give me his.

Right now, I am so fearful of falling in love. What if I give someone my heart and they abandon me? What happens when life gets in the way and he doesn't choose me? What happens if he marries me, promises himself to me, and then one day, wakes up and realizes he doesn't love me anymore?

Because of my parents' divorce, I am afraid of love and everything that comes with it. But I don't want to be anymore. I'm afraid, but willing to take a risk for the first time in my life.

If you're a child of divorce, I understand you. You're not going to repeat your parents' mistakes. You are strong and this experience has helped shape you into the person you are meant to be. You are worthy of love, so don't close yourself off from it. I promise you, your love story is coming. Just be patient for your special person. They're out there, waiting for you too. You got this.

All my love, always.