So I figured I should probably post here to gush, because where else better to do so?
FI popped the question on April Fool's day while having a BBQ with my parents and brother/SIL. I was so surprised! He's always been terrified of marriage (his parents went through a nasty divorce), so I never actually thought it'd happen... we've navigated purchasing/owning property together, a business together, etc. It's such an incredible feeling, after all of the hurdles we've overcome. We struggled immensely with his alcoholism (and my depression); but stuck it out even when we felt like we hated each other. Now he's over a year sober, and I was diagnosed with aspergers (and have felt very successful in managing with the help of a specialist, now that I know the cause of my issues), and it's just the perfect time. We're excited to have a really intimate wedding at my parents house with the people who have been there for us through all of the ups and downs
Struggling with (what I now know to be) aspergers my whole life, a part of me has always felt like this would never happen for me, that nobody would ever understand me let alone put up with me til death do us part. FI doesn't understand me (and vice versa) but he's gone so far above and beyond to work with me, put up with me, and make me feel loved BECAUSE of my differences, not in spite of them.