Since we last talked, I moved out of my parent's house and in with my man because the stress I was experiencing there was too great. I became depressed, not eating, sleeping constantly, and only talking to my man.

After moving out, things were amazing, then they started descending, and now everything is looking up day after day. The descending portion of my journey into adulthood was meeting a few people who were our best friends one minute and now they've all turned their backs on us. I lost my job right before I had been there for a year. As well as that, my parents are not cosigning my loans for college, so I will be attending Purchase College starting in the Spring semester, after I claim myself as an independent and receive the proper financial aid. Though those things happened, my man is now holding three jobs, which I believe is unfair to him but he does not complain about. I am on a job hunt. A lazy one, but a hunt none the less. As a couple we are happier than ever, because we have no parents restricting our activities and no roommates prohibiting our lifestyle.

All my friends and family keep telling me, "It doesn't have to be this hard." Honestly, I understand what they mean but, I've never been one to run away from a situation because of a dark day or two. I've worked through everything, with or without their help, and I've gotten myself this far. I graduated high school on my own, which no one thought I would do, and I am finally happy and confident with myself as a person, due to the support of my man.

I owe my friends and family many thanks, at least the ones who have supported me throughout this whole ordeal, and they are few and far between. The family and friends who have not been supportive are no less loved in my eyes, as I understand their actions, thoughts, and words completely. What I did to my loved ones is inexcusable and I do regret the pain I've caused but it certainly gives me hope when I see the people who have accepted my apology and feel for me and my situation anyways.

Most of all, I need to thank my cousin and his wife, Bobby and Sarah. I apologized to Bobby for lying about my man's age and all he said was, "It's ok. I'm really sorry you're going through this." His wife, Sarah, called me Easter morning and left a voice mail on my phone telling me not to think I was an outcast of the family, and if I needed or wanted anything, to let them know.

Also, I thank my best friend of 5 years, Liz. She was always there for me. Never once did she tell me that I was being naive or stupid for believing a man of this age was interested in me. Liz has always been the person I go to for advice because she is amazingly accepting and understanding.

Lastly, I will thank my mother, for helping me as much as she is now, even though she wishes my living situation was different. She's accepted who I'm with, and she interacts with him, unlike many in my family.