When you accidentally meet the love of your life. And everything changes.

By JACQUI PORTER

I’ll be honest with you, I always hoped that somewhere in my future I’d find someone to share my life with. I’d always hoped that I would have children. But for the most part, I just didn’t think it was on the cards for me. I guess I accepted that I would be a single woman focused on career, spending time with friends and family but never really having that special someone. And I was ok with that.

This is how I pictured my life. Once I finished school, I’d go to university. I would probably live on campus, or in a share house and I’d spend my time partying and studying. Then, once I’d graduated and got a “real job” I’d find an apartment of my own and live my life.

I guess in many ways, I saw myself as an early series Nina Proudman. Independent and free, with flings here and there but basically accepting that my oddities and quirks would never match up with another human so much so that they would actually want to spend great deals of time with me, live with me or even (gasp) marry me.

Like everyone, I was all too familiar with my downfalls, and just figured there was no way anyone would want a part in it.

And so, the plan was put into action. I started university and got a job at an overpriced, trendy bar in the dodgy end of town. I was amongst the action, living it up.

But something happened. The bartender at the bar happened to be exceptionally good looking. That was fine, something nice to look at while I was serving drinks.

Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by Tourism Fiji. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words. 

Then I realised that the bartender actually happened to be a nice guy.

We got talking and discovered that we actually attended the same school and knew some of the same people. The only problem was that he was due to move overseas for a year as part of his studies. On his last night at the bar, we both finished early and decided to go for a drink. Insert fireworks, flirting and butterflies.

He did leave. But he came back. Four weeks into his year long exchange. We moved in together that week.

That was 10 years ago.

Since then we have travelled, grown up together, got married and had two beautiful children.

So I guess my happiness is right in front of me. A man who I adore, who for some reason that I still can’t understand loves me back. That love has extended into little people who run our lives but sometimes it’s nice to stop. Breathe. Remember what it is that life is about.

This quote resonates with me: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
― Dr. Seuss

Sometimes, I like to just have a day with my family. A day where nothing is planned. A day where no one else is involved. A day on our own little island, running on island time. Watching them play in the sunshine and laugh and remind ourselves of how lucky we are to have each other and how our happiness is found within ourselves and each other.

As mums and wives, I guess we all fantasise about other lives because let’s face it, being a parent is hard work. Work is called work for a reason and relationships don’t just happen without comprise and dedication. So yeah, sometimes we do think about the lives that we could have had. What could have been. But then I stop, and remember that amongst all the stress and strain of daily life, what I have here in reality is much better than anything else I could dream of.

What do you love to do with the people you love most? 

Scroll through our gallery for a little romantic inspiration…

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious private island honeymoon or to rekindle the magic on a quiet couples escape, Fiji’s diverse natural beauty are unmatched in the Pacific Islands. World-class accommodation and cuisine, stunning natural beauty, and unwavering happiness is all here. The only thing missing, is you two. 

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