It took me three years. Other gentlemen have attempted to get to know me, but I gave them the cold shoulder. Perhaps there was insurmountable guilt I felt for giving someone else a shot. I erroneously assumed no one would like me as much, be so kind, or match my checklist. I was brainwashed by other people that fell for that "first love crap." I spent most my adult life not dating anyone, partly because I didn't get the point. Plus I had all these ridged rules of engagement. That and I cared far too much about keeping a good image. Weird. I know. I also thought the first dude would be it. Crazy talk. When we were talking I foresaw trouble in paradise. I'd rather not get into specifics, I care about him far too much to air out dirty laundry. In any case, we amicably ended things, yet the door was still kept open for a potential return. It didn't seem entirely over. Even though I never wanted to go back for sloppy seconds. 
Then I got word from hooyo that he was getting engaged in May, it fell around my birthday. 
I commiserated about it for a couple months. I felt conflicted about turning him down even though he made attempts to reach out over the years. I had to remind myself why I said no. At times I'd still feel bad about it. It's August now and he's about to get married. I was still kind of let down but not quite over it. That was until I got a call randomly. Apparently, my aunt knew his family really well. Hooyo might have informed her that he wanted to marry me some years back and my aunt congratulated me for it. Turns out just because a guy is great or wonderful, if his family is problematic or controlling its best to stay away. Emancipation of Sophisticate .
*Mentally I'm single again. I vow to flirt unconscionably. Scouts honour*
Would you refuse to marry someone if their family is troublesome/problematic
