How did you and your spouse meet? What was your first impression?

We met when we were 15. He used to always be with my cousin. I wasn't all that into boys so I didn't really pay him and attention until he asked me for my number one day and I thought "Oohh he's cute and chocolate" lol

In what moment did you realize she/he was the one?

It took me a little while to realize he was the one. We had been together for about 6 years but things were beginning to take a turn for the worst for me. I had dealt with a lot and was ready to give up. I felt like I deserved better. I began talking to someone else, but it wasn't the same. All I wanted was him. It was like my life just wasn't complete without him. And I knew at that moment, he was made just for me. I love him very much and knew I wanted to marry him before then, but that was the final confirmation I needed, the actual "moment".

What are some things that you had to overcome within yourself to make your relationship last?

I have always been the type to get my way and felt like what I said goes. I had to realize I couldn't control him, and that I needed to understand that sometimes, things wasn't going to go the way I wanted. Also, I always thought I was right and it was very hard for me to admit I was wrong.

Did you have any examples of love in your childhood or adolescence? Did it help to shape your practice in love?

Not really. My mom was never married and my father left when I was about 2 to Florida. I had a really hard life growing up. My mom was with my stepfather for 20 years, but they never went on dates or really told each other "I love you". I mainly relied on fairy tails. I always wanted that fairy tale, princess meets prince life, so I always kept that in mind lol

What are some things that you had to overcome together, in your relationship?

Communication used to be a real big problem for us. We would hold things inside and make a small argument into something bigger than it was. We could never talk, we would always yell and point the finger at each other instead of telling each other what's wrong and what we could do to fix it. Trust, it was hard for me to trust him at first because he had a lot of girls, especially this one girl, when we first got together so I didn't really know how to trust him, but he got rid of them and showed me I was the only one he wanted.

What are some things you do to celebrate love?

We go on dates, whenever we get the chance, We are big on anniversaries and holidays, and We tell each other how much we mean to each other as often as possible.

Many people think that young people aren't ready for such a commitment. How did you become confident in your decision to stay together and get married?

We have been together since we were 15, and had a baby together at 17. We had to go through all the different phases of life from teens to adults together and had to learn how to survive together. We were living together at the age of 16, due to our life circumstances, so we knew we could tolerate each other haha.

What kind of compromises do you make to keep each other happy?

I had to compromise helping my family, my mom and sisters. I used to be really big on trying to make sure everyone was OK instead of putting our relationship first and making sure we were alright. Now, I still help them, but I always be sure it doesn't effect our home.

How do you communicate when you are angry, embarrassed, etc.?

Sometimes we yell, but then we go our separate ways until we are both calm then talk about it. We try to avoid saying things we don't mean and putting each other down, and if we do happen to say hurtful things, we apologize once we are calm and talking about the situation.

If you are a parent, do you share the same philosophy on parenting?

Some things. We discipline the kids differently and he's very big on doing things the way they were done when he was a kids. I'm more on giving the kids choices, like what to wear and eat, while he's more "what I say go", but we seem to have an understanding in there somewhere, just not sure where lol.

How has parenting shaped your views of each other?

Growing up without my father around all the time, I am very big on my kids father being in their life. Q has never left my side when it comes to the kids. He is the best father I know, and it makes me fall in love with him more and more when I watch him interact with the kids. He gets frustrated sometimes but he loves playing with the kids and showing them attention and affection.

Was there ever a conflict that could've ended the relationship? If so, how did you overcome it?

Yes, a few times. Q is big on partying and having a good time while I'm more into staying in the house watching movies. He would be out all time of the night and always with his friends while I was home worried about if he was alright and when he was coming home. I did leave him, and he hated me for it because he didn't understand why, but eventually he realized how his actions were affecting me. One time I was talking to a boy from work, as a result of not getting attention from Q but getting it from him, and when Q seen the messages he went crazy lol. But, we managed to work through everything and found our way back to each other and worked through it.

What advice do you have for people who are afraid of love and commitment?

Don't be afraid. Love is the most beautiful thing in the world. It's hard, but it's so worth it. If you don't experience anything else in life, experience the feeling of love, it will change you forever!

Lada: I met My-kellia and Queshawn while in college. I admired their relationship and dedication to each other. I also admired their drive for their education and how they strive to be role models for their children. Thank you My-Kellia for sharing!