A very old friend, let’s call her Jill, recently announced her engagement to her boyfriend, let’s call him Jack, of almost three years, which came as no surprise to any of us. We knew they were going to get engaged sooner rather than later, and aside from thinking she’s too young (Jill’s not yet 22) I’m really happy for them. A few of us were sitting out on the porch over Memorial Day laughing about how Jill had picked out her own ring and dropped not-so-subtle hints to Jack. Someone teased Jill, commenting, “One day you’ll be happy you spent $4000 on my ring!” The real Jack smiled and replied, “I’m happy today.”

Well, that just about did it for me. Not like I get a say and not like it matters at all, but if Jack and Jill are getting married, they certainly have my blessing. What I want for all of my friends, and for the people of this world really, is happiness. If happiness for Jill means getting married at 22, who am I to argue?

My girlfriends and I are all in Jill’s bridal party, which honestly did come as a surprise. (Note that I introduced Jill as an old friend.) A couple of us went to try on our dresses yesterday, which are really beautiful; it’s a Christmastime wedding so Jill’s colors are red and gold, meaning us bridesmaids are wearing red floor-length gowns. Jill will wear red shoes to match our dresses, which is a contemporary, sassy touch to the very classic, elegant dress she bought yesterday.

In short, wedding bells are ringing. More and more of my friends have talked of engagement or marriage recently, with some even planning to get engaged in a couple years. (I don’t understand that logic, either.) My boyfriend, let’s call him MJ, and I have been together for five and a half years and when he heard that Jack and Jill were engaged he hugged me and said, “We’re too young, okay?” I had to laugh.

But it’s not about age, really, is it? It’s about wanting to spend every moment with a person, sharing hopes and dreams, supporting one another’s endeavors, keeping an eye on one another, feeling safe together, loving each other. Jack and Jill, here’s to years of health, happiness, and love to you!