Modern Family

How your love can become another person’s everything...

Best friends for six years and counting, Brad and I have been through it all.

Meeting on Tumblr, a chance encounter online sparked into real friendship. Before long, the all-day texting began; at school, the dinner table, and despite living 350 miles apart, a formidable bond was forged.

We became best friends in each others’ pockets, on call 24 hours a day for support, advice, midnight rambles and a good laugh.

, EHFDPH KLV ¿UVW NLVV DQG Brad respectively mine (with a guy). Sixteen and 14 at the time, having each other to turn to upon discovering our sexuality was invaluable. Unconditional acceptance, guidance and an unbelievable connection gradually began to blossom into something more.

Years later, after one fateful day last October and one more unexpected kiss, events spiralled and a string of almost-secret dates followed. On Brad’s 20th birthday, we vowed to play it cool. A few drinks later and safe to say, we were a secret no more.

Flash forward ten months and after saying those three words at 5am in a club on New Years’ Day, I’ve relocated from York and we both live in Birmingham. Both at university, we’re learning to work hard and play hard. I’m an aspiring author studying creative writing and Brad’s a budding mathematician.

Every day is so much sweeter with your best friend, and in between all our adventures the simple coffee shop moments are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

We said years ago upon graduation we’ll travel the world, and I truly cannot wait for that and all there is to come.

Never underestimate what a difference one person can have on your life.