You are lucky! Many of the couples that stick together through the incarceration process are stronger than couples that have a traditional relationship. With the prison system you face so many obstacles so couples in the prison system have to be in love with each other in order to endure the hardship. The waiting game is constant and in most prison systems you can't have sex and even if you can it's not on a regular basis. So you know it's not a relationship based on material things, or sex because those are non factors. I have never been more in love with any other man and because he is in prison I have vowed to myself to not let what society views as a "normal relationship" get in the way of how I feel about him.

I completely agree with you both. Sometimes I get so jealous of my friends who are married or engaged, who have kids, who have houses of their own. I start to feel sorry for myself that my love and I are in this horrible situation. But then I remember that when it's all over and done with, we will be together, and still be in love. It's funny... there are dozens of things that Jordan used to do that annoyed the hell out of me. Like talking in his sleep or forgetting to take the laundry out of the washing machine. Now, I'd give anything to hear him talk in his sleep. We both realize that we used to take things for granted. I think this time apart while he's incarcerated has made us appreciate eachother so much more.

I have learned a long time ago that material things are no guarantee to a happy life. I see others with so much more, it seems, but they are not happy. Also, nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors, and we have to keep in mind just how many people are incarcerated, or on Parole or Probation. Chances are we all know someone who knows someone who is or has been in jail/prison. The more I mention that my boyfriend is in jail, the more people come forward and tell me that they also have a friend or relative who has been in jail. Nobody really talks about it, though. So, all these "happy" relationships may have things they are going through as well. Happiness comes from within, and money or possessions can not buy happiness. i love my boyfriend even more now since I want him to understand that his one mistake does not make him a bad person. I have been printing out quotes to send to him, and he really appreciates those. I can see past his mistakes, and all of his friends can, too. Love is stronger than prison.

The couples that do make it through these tough times, I do believe become stronger. There is a unbreakable bond.

I sometimes lately have to read what you are all going through to not get critical of him again, like before he went in. I have to read and remember how I felt when he was in, and I was so sad. Frankly I love him to death, I will always love him. I adore snuggling at night with him, but ladies I swear once they get home, they do get annoying again, just like before. But then I just remember, by reading your posts how I felt just a few months ago. Then I go in and watch him sleep, or watch him when he is working,or watch him any time, and am so glad to have him back home again.

The three and a half years were excrutiating in every way possible, and now he is home. We are dealing with things together, and we will not always agree on things. Hell, we didn't before. But at least I have him here. He loves me. I love him and even if I want to punch him in the nose a few times a week for being exasperating, I have to just be SO glad he is here. And then I remember all of you, and I get humble again.

We always assume others have it so much better than we do. That they appear so much happier. But is that only for people to see? What goes on behind closed doors is so much different sometimes.

I had a friend who married a guy. They became very rich. They had a company, a mansion, a porsche, and other nice things. Behind closed doors we all found out later, he was a crazy, scary man, who she hid from in her bedroom every night. They eventually divorced, and he took the kid. He got custody by threatening her that he would have people he knew say she did bad things to the kid. She loved this boy so much, and she had to give him up. I don't know the rest of the story.

I have another friend who is happy as can be, going on trips, and the whole nine yards now with her husband of 30 years. But who knows how he is behind closed doors. I do remember hiding her at my house because when off his med's he was dangerous.

So when these so called perfect couples look good to you, remember, they may be going through their own hell. Or when they look down on your for loving a man in prison, they may be living with someone worse, just pretending to be happy, to keep their family together, or keep the money they have together. Sometimes I believe that I would rather live in a tent under a tree with my fiance, than live with my ex husband who had money when we were married.

I wish we had a way to "like" posts on here because you're all completely on point. I'd much rather be in this situation with the love of my life than be in an unhappy "normal" relationship!

YEs this does bring attention to the love you have for one another as it is more than just being together living everyday life. It changes everything and you get to know the person in a different light and way.