Dr. Laura, 

Dating in my 20's was difficult, fun at times - sure, but equally frustrating. My mom never understood why I couldn't pick a man to marry. What she should have asked me was why I couldn't pick a FAMILY to marry! 

My husband and I were friends from a fitness center for several months when he asked a group of us over to his parents' house for a 4th of July celebration. We all headed over expecting to have a great time at the beach and barbecuing, but what I DIDN'T expect was I would leave their home knowing exactly who I was going to marry. That day I saw my friend interact with his family and watched him host his family's huge celebration. He made sure we were all comfortable, bringing us plate after plate of food and always made sure we had a beverage of our choice to sip on, all while having fun and just being himself around his family. After only a few hours I realized this was the man I was for me after seeing how he treated and interacted with his family... it also didn't hurt how he looked swinging a kettlebell around, but that was just a bonus! 

That very night I broke up with my current boyfriend hoping my friend and I would become more than just friends. That was 4 years ago.  

Today we are married with a 1-year-old son and another baby due in just a few weeks. Every time we have family or friends over, I am reminded why I married him. Every night when he helps with the dishes, I am reminded why I married him. And every Sunday when we spend our day with the extended family, I am reminded I married ALL OF THEM and it makes us complete. You don't just marry a person, you also marry where they came from. And I found a great man who came from a great family! 

Lucky in love and family, 

Sara