My parents wanted to take pics of me, but every time Dad put me down, I cried. And thus, he ended up in the photo.

My dad retired after 21 years in the Air Force. His example of selfless service inspired me to join.

The big jump from 13 to 27 is courtesy of the Snapchat/Instagram filter phase that is terrible to look at now. I feel like my face has never changed much!

Someone wise once said that 42 is the answer to everything.

Met online in the days of AIM — we asked each other A/S/L? and the rest is history.

I’m hopelessly in love with him and I think he’s starting to like me too 🥸

5 to 32 😅

Bonus not at work picture where I'm not miserable haha (featuring my little moon)

The first picture was taken 6 years ago. Since then, I quit drinking almost 3 years ago, and quit smoking cigs 2 years ago. Within that time frame I was working as a bar-back and was vegan. When I quit alcohol, it cut a lot of calories and couldn't maintain my weight, after I quit smoking I was just white knuckling my way through life because of the inflammation it was causing me I just had to stop. That's why picture 3 I look less inflamed but really thin. With no coping mechanisms I was so anxious I could hardly eat, and my stomach shrank and I dropped down to 88lbs (when I checked). In the last year or two I've started to unravel my health mystery, I have a lot wrong with me unfortunately, and started the right meds to balance out my physical and mental health and the difference couldn't feel any better. It's been a long time coming, but I'm almost back. Hayley Williams song Mirtazapine literally couldn't put it better. That medication has helped me put on 30lbs. The last two pics are recent!! I'm still dealing with some lingering acne but it's almost cleared up and feel like I got a new lease on life. If you're wondering if it's worth it, it is. If you're failing right now, go easy on yourself, change isn't easy, it puts your body through a lot, and it sucks. Seriously, I lost 15lbs from the stress of quitting smoking. Sometimes it's okay to ask for help, I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't, and I'm still on my journey.

From an 18 year old aspiring bodybuilder to dad-bod into a nationally qualified bodybuilder

Just wanted to thank everyone for the nice positive comments on the last post. My family was genuinely surprised by all the kindness yall have in your hearts! Remember where you came from 🫶

Not too bad. A little more wrinkles, a lite curvier, but I’ll take it!

A life, home, and family in between 🥹 Also he grew a beard and I grew out my eyebrows 😂

Wish I could see how that dress would fit me now 😭

Finally got around to getting engaged this year, wedding planned for 2028!

Edit to add - turning off notifications cause this is a lot lol

95%+ of you are absolute sweethearts thank you for your lovely comments - we're very happy to still be together, still be weirdos, and to be planning our wedding!

To the other 5% lmao so typical reddit.

Yes we both have gainful employment and careers we enjoy despite (shock horror) looking like this.

Yes he has looked older ever since we were kids. Honestly trust me it was a big bonus when we were <18 and I think he's gorgeous so who cares lol. I'm actually 6 weeks older than him.

My hair is fucked, partly from dying sure, but also from genetic/illness reasons, we just live laugh love and make do at thia point right??

We're both from the North of England, I can see from insights that 80% of views are from the USA (again, most of you have been downright lovely, but there's always a few), I Americanised the title because, Reddit. And 'Sixth Form Sweethearts' doesn't quite have the same understanding/ ring to it (although saying it outloud now it's quite nice ha)

Big love to the majority of lovely commenters, stepping on lego wishes to the mean weirdos!

It’s my birthday!!!!

First pic is just before we were old enough to drive. Now we’re collecting social security.