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Life Update: On a Happier Note

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Jeans: AG The Legging Skinny Jeans | Tank: Free People Chevron Sweater Tank | Necklace: Axelia Y-Choker Necklace, c/o BaubleBar {on sale for only $14} | Clutch: Sole Society Waverly Whipstitch Clutch {on sale for under $40} | Shoes: Wrap Around Sandals | Earrings: Nadri Stud Earrings  | Rings: David Yurman Wheaton Ring & David Yurman Albion Petite Ring | Bracelets: David Yurman Cable Classics Bracelets | WatchMichele Deco Diamond Watch | Lips: MAC Liquid Lipcolor

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Photography by Erin Trimble Photography

Well, y’all, I can assure you that this life update is quite different than the last one.  As many of you have seen on Snapchat and Insta Story, I’ve gotten myself a boyfriend, yep.  How did this happen?  I’m not quite sure, especially since I was pretty anti-everything when I had first met him.  Yet, here I am, a completely different person that’s about to share with y’all someone that I hold so close to my heart.

I actually was dating him when I wrote my previous life update, but I wasn’t ready to share him with y’all.  So, for all of those comments that said someone better will come along — I knew you were right, because I was in fact, dating him already…but that was my little secret.

His name is Jordan.  He’s a lawyer.  Don’t worry, I have his social this time — he’s actually a lawyer.  Papa Wainwright most likely did quite the extensive check on him, as well, but don’t be judging because with my dating history, you never know.  I wanted to ensure that my family and friends had *really* gotten to know him, before I shared this important part of my life with you.

Many people think we met at the gym, which I find really funny {we both love fitness and we joke that we’ve found one of our own — one who counts macros and loves cheat meals more than anything}.  However, we did not meet at the gym.  We rarely even work out together, because we treat fitness in the same regard: a mental break for each of us, a little bit of ‘me’ time, ya know?

Believe it or not, we were set up through a mutual friend, which in my opinion, is the best way to meet someone.  I met my fair share of people on bumble, but you could say I was a bit paranoid and considered a skeptic.  I was grabbing drinks with Marilyn and Harold {my sister and brother} one evening in early November, and we were meeting our friend Neil {who’s also Lebanese}.  He brought along a stud with him, knowing I was single and thinking it would be a good fit.  No one was aware of this impromptu set-up though, so I’m glad I actually looked somewhat decent that night, because that could’ve been tragic.

We had hit it off, naturally, in these types of romantic stories.  I remember being so mesmerized by him.  We both had similar values, similar humor, and we both, in a way, felt kind of broken at the time. When he asked me if I wanted a drink, I looked at him and told him ‘tequila’.  {Ever since then, we take a tequila shot wherever we go, even if it’s a nice cocktail bar.}

We went on our first ‘official’ date shortly thereafter.  It honestly scared the sh*t out of me.  I had gone on a LOT of first dates, y’all.  Some tragic {I could actually write a book on the tragic ones}. Some pretty good. But this…this was different. It was special, and it scared me.

I took this one slowly.  Didn’t want to jump into things too quickly.  I wanted to make sure that this one was the real deal, before introducing him to my family.  We couldn’t afford another heartbreak.  So, he and I took our time.  He was considerate of what I had gone through and supported me and my family regardless.  My brother and sister had been around him in social settings for awhile, but he hadn’t met my parents until later.  I wanted to treat him as *my* boyfriend — not my family’s, not my friend’s, not the blog world’s, but *my* boyfriend.  That’s why you don’t see him that often on my social media or on my blog.  I wanted a distinct line between work and play.  Granted, there will always be some overlap, but I’ve tried to minimize that.  When we’re with each other, we turn our phones on do not disturb.  We’ve somehow managed to accomplish that delicate balance.  He’s always such a hard worker, giving 200% to his profession, but when we have date night, we always give each other our full attention. Keep in mind, our date nights are always SO much fun, so putting the phone away isn’t hard at all.

He makes me feel whole again, rather than broken, and he makes me want to be a better person.  We challenge each other in the best ways possible. He’s attentive. He listens. He respects me. And, I learn so much from him everyday. In some ways, I feel as though God was just preparing me for him this whole time.

We all like to joke that he’s a male version of my friend, Autumn — I always feel like I’m the third wheel when I’m with those two haha. I was more nervous for when he met Alex for the first time {she lives in NY} than when he was meeting my parents.  My friends *adore* him, and we’ve both learned to juggle a relationship while also maintaining our friendships, which can sometimes be difficult.

I know this isn’t the first personal post I’ve written on here, but I feel like I should share both the highs and lows with y’all.  This one being a definite high. I was feeling as though those few glimpses you would get of him on Snapchat/Insta wasn’t doing him justice.  Also, let’s all give him some love for these photos — he’s camera shy and this definitely put him out of his comfort zone, but he did it for me anyways.  If that ain’t love, then I don’t know what is.

P.S. If you haven’t tried the bourbon slush at Feast BBQ in Nulu, run {don’t walk} there! Xx

  1. Annie says:

    Grace! I just recently moved to Louisville and I followed your blog and instagram with the hopes of finding new/cool things to do around Louisville! I just read this post this morning which prompted me to read your last life update. I knew nothing about this and I’m so sorry you went through that, but I’m so glad that you’re in a better place right now mentally! Wishing you all of the best! You deserve it!

    • Hi Annie! So glad you’ve been following along, and I hope you love Louisville! You can always shoot me an email and I’ll give some restaurant suggestions, etc! Really appreciate your kind words — have a great hump day! Xx

  2. Kay Nguyen says:

    Awww you guys are so cute together! It’s so nice to read about happy stories like this <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com/

  3. Shelby says:

    Grace, this makes my heart happy. I am so happy for you and have loved following along for the past 3-4 years and seeing your highs and your lows. He sounds like a wonderful guy to have! PS I’m obsessed with this outfit per usj

    xo, Shelby
    http://www.prettyinthepines.com

    • Hey Shelby! You’re always so sweet {p.s. congrats on your marriage, I’ve been stalking your life gf}. Thanks so much for always being supportive. Also, this sweater tank is everything! haha! Xx

  4. Jenn Lake says:

    You two are seriously adorable! So happy for you, lady!

  5. Jacqueline says:

    Grace, love hearing your life updates! I can certainly relate, having a couple not so great relationships in the past myself. And now, like you, I have also found someone who is literally the male version of myself. It so great to see people in happy healthy relationships and finding your person. Love the blog and all that you do! Cheers!

  6. Taylor says:

    So happy for you!!! I went through a really tough heartbreak as well, so I know what it’s like to have your whole world upended — and to meet someone new and amazing and to feel like everything you went through was prepping you for that person! That’s exactly how I felt when I met my now fiance! I was SO scared at first too… you just don’t want to be hurt again! So glad things are going great for you!! 🙂

    • Hi Taylor! Congrats on your engagement! Heartbreaks are not easy…but it all seems worth it when you find your ‘lobster’ {if you don’t watch Friends, then just ignore that reference lol}. Thanks for taking the time to read this update! Sending good vibes your way! Xx

  7. HANNAH says:

    Soo happy for you. I remember reading your last ‘life update’ and my heart just hurt for you. Happy you are in a better place. Wishing you all the best!

  8. Meg says:

    Wow this was so sweet. I’m so happy for you! Sometimes God leads you through some difficult situations and it can be so confusing but in the end you know He was right and had a plan all along (and you were right to trust in Him!) I wish you both the best! Xx

    Ps- my husband and I take a tequila shot almost everywhere we go too hehe

    • Hey Meg! Thanks for your kind words! I completely agree — sometimes it’s hard to see it from the start, but it’s funny when you look back on the situation. Thanks for your sweet advice, and maybe we can all take a tequila shot together some day ha! Xx

  9. Alyse Papania says:

    My heart is so happy for you two. I totally understand about him being *your* boyfriend; I feel like that is my relationship too. He works in mysterious/wonderful ways 😉

  10. Nicole says:

    This post is amazing! Thank you for sharing-Its always nice to read a personal story and learn more about someone. Dating is hard in this world…I wish you nothing but the best and I hope you found your person! 🙂

    • Dating is definitely not easy these days, but I’m grateful I found a catch! So sweet of you to take the time to read this. I really appreciate it, Nicole! Xx

  11. Brittany says:

    Loving this life update! You DESERVE it! I hope you know how many women read your posts and find you as an inspiration and role model. SO happy for this new chapter in your life! 🙂

  12. Pam Allen says:

    Love this post! Such a beautiful couple! Be good to one another!!

  13. Kritsida says:

    This is so cuuteee!! This is my first time reading your blog and I am so happy for you! You guys look so happy!
    x. kritsida
    http://aperfectcanvas.net/

  14. Jenry21 says:

    Gracie,

    This seriously brought tears to my eyes. There is truly nothing better than seeing one of my best friends so happy. And it’s so amazing that you’re brave enough to share it with the world. You inspire me a little more each day. Love you always!

    • Love you! Lucky to call you one of my best friends, and so thrilled that my mom loves you more than me {LOL}. I can’t wait to celebrate you and Nick all winter! Xx

  15. Nicole Green says:

    So glad to read this life update! Dating is so scary in today’s world, probably even more so with how your last relationship ended. Glad you’ve found someone that makes life sweeter 🙂

  16. Kristin says:

    I related to your last Life Update post so much. It made me that much more let down with society and my faith knowing there are simply just cruel people out there that think they can toy with your life like that. Fast forward and I’m feeling those same feelings towards a man that I didn’t expect to ever meet let alone let my guard down enough to date. He some how has torn every wall down and restored a piece in me that I didn’t ever think was going to be. I’m SO happy that you have met someone worthy of your company!! xo

    • Hi Kristin! Thanks for taking the time to read this life update {as well as the previous one}. It really means a lot. It’s strange looking back on experiences like that. You always become stronger from them. So thrilled to hear that your story had a happy ending though! Sending lots of love! Xx

  17. Kelly says:

    Aww, yay! This is so exciting! Now I just need a friend to set me up with someone great! So happy for you two!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

  18. Caitlin says:

    I also had a terrible relationship experience that crushed me. It took me a long time to come back from the depression that surfaced and I still work to fight it. I met someone almost a year ago and he’s changed my life. I didn’t know what a real relationship was until he came into my life. And I didn’t know that someone could love me. Thank you for sharing this! I’ve thought about blogging about it but it’s so hard to put in words. And it takes courage. This post is inspiring! You are inspiring! You deserve all the best, I’m happy to see you are getting it.

    • Hi Caitlin! I’m so sorry to hear that you went through something like that. It’s always hard getting over a heartbreak of that nature. I’m glad you have found someone though {who I hope is worthy of you}. Grateful for gals like you! Thanks! Xx

  19. Mary says:

    OH my gosh!! This is sooo awesome! I am so happy for you! See, God totally had a plan for ya, he just needed to do it in his time. Same with my husband and me 🙂 I just had to be patient!
    xxoo
    Mary
    http://www.BelleOnTrend.com

  20. Bailey says:

    Grace, this post was so inspiring to me! I recently had a relationship end this summer because I found out that he was a liar and a cheater. Like you, I’ve lost faith in a lot things recently, but your post gives me hope that there is someone out there who is better for me. I’m so happy that you’ve found the love and happiness that you deserve!

    • So glad my story gives you hope! Heartbreaks are rough, but you’ll get through it. Thanks for taking the time to read this post and for your kind words! Xx

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