Seasonal & Holidays
Local Love Stories: Childhood Crush Leads to Matrimony
"We always had a crush on one another, but neither one of us had the courage to tell one another."

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked Patch readers to share their love stories. For these two lovebirds, it started in childhood.
Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or the thought of red and pink decorations makes you want to puke, we’ve got a hunch everyone could use some happy news this month. And what’s happier than a love story?
We asked Patch readers on Facebook to share their local love stories — how they met, where it all went down, and what’s kept them together. Here’s the story of two Toms River locals who found their way to each other after years of friendship and unspoken feelings.
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My husband and I have been good friends since we were little. My sister actually used to babysit my husband while we were young, and once we started school we have been in the same class all the way until graduation. We always had a crush on one another, but neither one of us had the courage to tell one another.
As we got older and he got more handsome, he ended up dating someone throughout all of our high school years. I thought my chance was ruined. I thought that there really would never be an 'us' so we ended up drifting apart. It was so hard to keep the jealously a secret. He no longer was able to have any communication with me due to his relationship, and it was the hardest years not being able to talk.
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After we graduated high school in 2011, he ended up getting in touch with me. We started to hang out again just like old times, and it felt so real. I was beyond happy to have my best friend back. On Sept. 28, 2012 we became official!
I couldn't be more head over heels with him! I never knew how much love someone can have for another person 6 months into dating. He asked for my hand in marriage on April 18, 2013. Words couldn't express my feelings that day. On Sept. 12, 2014 we said I do!
The love we have for each other is unexplainable. God really has his ways of putting people in someone's life, and he did a great job of finally letting us be together! Now on this day we will be celebrating our son's first birthday together on Feb. 21, 2017! Happy Valentine's Day!
Have a local love story you want to share? Write to us at submissions@patch.com.
Photos and story submitted by Tiffany H. of Toms River
WATCH: The History of St. Valentine's Day In Under 2 Minutes
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