In this story, you’ll find real signs that might help you on your own journey—
The timing didn’t make sense, I wasn’t looking, and honestly, I almost didn’t say anything. But something told me to go for it.
If you’ve been wondering how to know when it’s right—or how to trust yourself when something feels different—this one’s for you.
Simple, real, and maybe exactly what you need to hear right now.
Wait… I’m Only 20
How I accidentally found something real, what it taught me, and the signs that showed me I was ready—before I even knew it.
So here’s the vibe: I had just graduated, and, honestly, I thought I had it all figured out—or at least I wanted to think I did. You know that whole Malibu Pink Dream where you marry the guy you first kissed and everything just falls into place? Yeah, that was the fantasy. But, spoiler alert, life had other plans.
Before I met Mason, I had come out of a relationship that just… wasn’t good. I felt confused, honestly. Like I didn’t know who I was anymore. That age—18 to 20—it’s wild. You feel like you’re supposed to know what you’re doing, but really you’re just starting the climb and it’s super uncomfy. I was living alone, barely holding it together, trying to get my photography hustle going. My family was going through it too, so everything just felt heavy.
But I kept working on myself, even if I was hurting. I couldn’t see what was next, but I felt something coming. Then one random night, I was at this little town bar—taking pics for content, doing my thing—and I look up and see this guy. The night before, I had been so done. I literally drank water, said a little prayer, and asked to be guided to my person + purpose. I think I saw the method on TikTok? Either way, I believed it.
And boom. The next night, there I was, off the clock at this bar I’d been going to forever, and suddenly I’m sitting across from someone I’d never seen before—even though we literally knew everyone in common. It was surreal. I almost walked away, but something told me to stay. Trust your gut. That night was the start of something I never could’ve imagined.
What Made This a Green Flag (And Not Just Another “He’s Different I Swear” Moment 💍)
In the beginning, it’s hard to really tell if something’s going to be real. You just can’t know right away—but what you can do is look for the subtle signs. Are they giving you full energy and effort? Do they keep the conversation going by asking deeper questions when things start to lull? Are they tuned into your energy and actually respecting it—or just complimenting how you look?
For me, I knew I wasn’t walking into another gaslight-lovebomb-repeat cycle. I had my flags all the way up. One of the biggest was: if he talks about himself, does he loop me into it? Does he offer the same level of listening I’m giving? Because if not, I’m not sitting through that again.
With Mason, something was different. Even now, one of his biggest green flags is the way he listens. Like, really listens. He lets the space sit in a convo and doesn’t rush it—but somehow he always responds like he’s been taking mental notes with a pen and paper. That patience and presence? That’s rare. That’s what told me I wasn’t just being heard—I was being understood.
That night at the bar? We talked for 7 hours straight—barely touched our drinks. No distractions, just us locked in, like the world paused so we could actually see each other.
Biggest Green Flag? The Energy Had Depth.
One of my biggest turn-ons? Spirituality. Not in the “let me read your birth chart and disappear” way—but more in the vibe of someone who can have open, honest conversations without needing to wrap it all up. Just someone who can flow with the conversation and take the time to walk through the thoughts together. I love people who inspire me, and it doesn’t even have to be some deep, life-changing thing. It could be the way you make your morning coffee, the energy in your space, or how you move through your day.
And you know what I just thought of… People who are great at what they do usually fall into one of two categories: either super structured, but a bit off in other ways, or laid-back, dependable, with a solid work ethic. The second one? That’s the kind of energy I was looking for.
When I first saw his place, he had a rose quartz in the living room. Not gonna lie, it wasn’t placed in the most organized way—it was a little random. But it wasn’t about the placement. It was the fact that he had it there at all. That small detail said way more about him than any perfect setup could.
Structure? Check.
Why IT Got So Serious🤍
I grew up seeing a lot of divorce in my family, so I guess I always had a different view of relationships. But even through all that, I still believed in love. I didn’t know exactly what it would look like, but I knew I wanted something real. A family, a solid foundation, but not in the traditional sense.
So yeah, being serious this young? Definitely shocks some people. But honestly, I was over the hookup culture and all the energy-draining stuff. Meeting people, going out, trying to align with people who aren’t even on the same vibe…Exhausting. I get it if you’re still all about that, I was too. But things hit differently when you start wanting more.
Girls’ night? Used to be all about talking about the guys but now.. I just want to curl up with my person, watch TV, and not deal with any negativity. It’s not that I don’t love my friends—I do!—but I just don’t have the energy for drama anymore. I didn’t realize how much I needed that peace until I found it.
Just lucky I found my person.
What I Wasn’t Going to Settle For: Early Talks
There’s a lot of conversation these days about what roles we choose to take on in relationships, and while everyone’s path is different, I think how we’ve been raised plays a huge part in shaping what we desire. For some, starting a family is the ultimate goal. For others, it’s a different kind of fulfillment. And personally, I’m just grateful to have the freedom to choose what feels right for me.
That being said, I wasn’t going to let go of my voice or compromise on the things that matter most to me. I had some non-negotiables, and here’s what they were.
- Honesty above all else. It might not always be easy, but keeping things to yourself to spare feelings never works out. In my view, it’s always better to speak up respectfully. In the end, it’s us against the world.
- We keep our individuality. We each make time for the things we love to do, and we support each other in that. It’s important not to lose ourselves in the process.
Trust is essential, but it’s not about just saying “yes” to everything. If someone changes their behavior intentionally, that’s a red flag. It’s not a “miscommunication,” it’s something deeper. And I wasn’t about to ignore that.
Mason? He’s good. He’s solid. He’s real. And I want to share this because I believe we all deserve to find someone who respects what we bring to the table.
Growing Together: Like… Actually
You know that feeling when everything just starts syncing up? Like suddenly your goals hit different, your confidence goes up, and your daily routine doesn’t feel like a mess anymore? That’s when you know you’re growing with someone, not just dating them.
It’s giving power couple energy—but make it real. You feel more like you, not less. They know your moods, your fav songs, your weird little habits, and somehow it all makes you feel safe but still excited.
And listen, if you’re constantly feeling off outside the relationship, like drained or second-guessing everything… it’s a sign. Being with someone shouldn’t mute your magic. Together or apart, the vibe should still feel full. If not? That’s not growth—it’s a pause.
🎯 20 Sneaky Questions to Ask Your Partner (+ What Their Answers Could Say About Them)
| If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be? | 🌍 Big dreamer = adventurous. | 🏠 Same hometown = loves comfort. |
| Would you rather plan the trip or just show up? | 📋 Planner = responsible. | 🛫 Spontaneous = fun but maybe chaotic. |
| What’s your dream Saturday? | 🧘♀️ Chill = calm energy. | 🎉 Wild = thrill seeker. |
| What’s something you secretly wish you were amazing at? | 🎨 Creative stuff = deep soul. | 💼 Business stuff = ambition coded. |
| What’s your go-to when you’re stressed? | 🏃♂️ Gym/active = healthy outlet. | 🍸 Party = 🚩 maybe distraction issues. |
| What’s a dealbreaker for you in friendships? | 🚪 Instant exit = strong boundaries. | 🥴 “Idk” = red flag… lack of standards. |
| If money wasn’t a thing, what would you do all day? | 💸 Hustler mindset = long-term player. | 🍃 Vibe-only = might struggle with pressure. |
| What was your favourite age so far? | 🎈Childhood = still healing? | 🌟 Recent = growing & evolving. |
| Do you believe everything happens for a reason? | ✨ Yes = emotionally deep. | 🥱 No = might need more convincing. |
| Would you rather be respected or loved? | 🧠 Respected = stable and serious. | 💕 Loved = sensitive king/queen. |
| What’s your toxic trait? | 😇 Honest = self-aware. | 🙈 Avoids = no thanks. |
| What’s a weird food combo you secretly like? | 🥑 Quirky = fun to live with. | 🚫 “Nothing” = boring sorry not sorry. |
| What’s something you’d want to get better at in relationships? | 💬 Communication = green flag. | 🙃 “I’m good” = delulu alert. |
| How do you usually apologize? | 📖 Talks it out = healthy. | 😬 Avoids it = prepare for headaches. |
| Would you rather win an award or hear it privately from someone you love? | 🏆 Public = external validation vibes. | 🥹 Private = heart-centered. |
| What’s something random that makes you feel rich? | 🧺 Clean sheets? 🚿 Long showers? They appreciate the little things. | |
| What’s your favourite part of your day usually? | ☀️ Morning = motivated. | 🌙 Night = deep thinker. |
| What’s your favourite way to recharge? | 🔥 Alone time = independent. | 🧑🤝🧑 Around people = extrovert coded. |
| How do you like spending holidays? | Family = loyal and sentimental. | ✈️ Getaway trips = loves freedom. |
| If you could master one random skill, what would it be? | 🎸 Guitar = romantic tendencies. |
(without making it weird or overthinking it)
- Stay loud in your little ways.
Your jokes, your random interests, your way of doing things? That’s literally what makes you you. Don’t “soften” yourself to fit some imaginary vibe. If you’re goofy, be goofy. If you’re quiet but witty, let it snipe out in moments. - Confidence ≠ being the loudest.
Confidence is just being sure you don’t need to perform. You’re not auditioning. You’re just existing. Let the energy come to you, not the other way around. - You’re not “too much.”
Real ones want the full you — the layered, crazy, chill, passionate, whatever-you-are-today you. If you feel yourself shrinking around someone… that’s info, babe, not a sign you need to get smaller. - Open heart, wise mind.
Stay soft and open to love, new conversations, and cute little surprises — but keep your standards, your goals, and your non-negotiables on lock.
(being open doesn’t mean you gotta abandon your instincts.) - Silence doesn’t mean something’s wrong.
You don’t have to fill every second with talking or energy. Being able to just exist together is hot. Comfort is loud in its own way. - Remind yourself: you’re the prize too.
Not in an ego way. In a mutual respect, mutual effort, mutual energy kind of way.
You’re not “lucky” they like you. They’re lucky they get to experience you in your light.
23, a Baby, and Building a Life Together
If you would’ve told me a few years ago that by 23 I’d have a baby with the boy I met at the bar and we’d be running our own businesses…
I would’ve laughed and gone right back to overthinking my entire life in my notes app. 😂
But somehow — here we are.
And honestly? It’s better than anything I could’ve planned.
Not perfect. Not some Pinterest board 24/7.
Just real. And really good.
When I look around now… the baby, the work, the everyday memories we’re stacking — I feel nothing but grateful that I listened to myself.
Even when it was easier to just isolate.
Even when shutting down felt safer than risking being seen.
Even when growing felt like too much.
Choosing to stay soft, choosing love, choosing to show up for my own life — it didn’t steal anything from me.
It gave me everything I didn’t even know I wanted yet.
And the wild part?
It’s still just getting started.
More babies. More businesses. More memories I haven’t even dreamed up yet.
All because I decided to bet on myself and stay open when the good stuff came in.
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Just a little reminder—content created through ZEALSocial and with our ZEALUNITY models is always credited to us. We make sure everyone involved gets the love they deserve.
Big shoutout to the amazing models for this shoot: Sarah, Hammad, Sydney, and Olivia! And a huge thank you to photographer Georgia and the ZEAL media team for bringing it all together. We’re so grateful for everyone involved in making this shoot come to life! Stay tuned for more!
