We asked you to submit your real-life love story for the chance for it to be shared on our website. We got many submissions, and although it was a tough choice, our staff has made their decision on our favorite real-life love story.

The story:

Through some volunteering, I got to be good friends with Brian. When I first met him, we both were dating other people. We had a friend in common who insisted that we were both dating jerks and should date each other. Over time Brian broke up with his girlfriend, but I was still with my boyfriend of about two years. One day I had an exceptionally bad day: I found out I had a couple of days to move out of my apartment, and unrelatedly I found out that a young relative of mine was dying. When I called my boyfriend to get some empathy and help, he was insensitive and useless. That same day after work, I saw Brian when we were volunteering together. He asked how my day was, and I told him the same thing I’d told my boyfriend. He was kind and immediately offered to help. The next day he showed up to my apartment with pizzas, friends to help me move, and a pickup truck. I finally realized that I should be dating someone like Brian and kissed him. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Now isn’t that just touching? Want to know more? Here are some extra details our submitter gave us!

Where’s the relationship now?

We’ve been happily married for 26 years, are still best friends, and have two amazing kids!

When did this take place?

A few years after college in the 1990s.

Anything else you want us to know?

You should be with someone who makes you happy, brings out the best in you, and makes things easy (it’s fair to put in the time, but there shouldn’t be drama, fights or stress about the relationship).

And that’s this year’s most touching real-life love story!