Dear ones, we asked you on our Facebook page „What was your childhood sweetheart like: just butterflies or great heartbreak?“ There were so many comments, Sophie also got in touch with us. She met her husband when she was 16 and is still happy with him today. Such a beautiful love story that we wanted to hear more about.</p
Dear Sophie, you’ve been with your current husband since you were 16. How and where did you meet?
When I was young, I organised bike races, so I handed out race numbers etc. to supplement my pocket money. As helpers were always needed, I got lots of friends and classmates to join me. My dear neighbour Robert then brought along a classmate from his school. Robert had already told us beforehand that he would like to set the two of us up.
What was your first impression of your current husband?
I can still remember it clearly. It was 22.05.2004, I was just on my way home when the neighbour came towards me with „this“ mate. My first thought was: „Oh God, THAT’S supposed to be him?“ (And I didn’t mean that in a positive way…)
Ouch. And what did you, Achim, think about Sophie?
I thought she was pretty stuck-up!
How and where did the first kiss happen and when did you realise that we were a couple?
Achim also worked as a steward, we worked side by side and Achim didn’t pay much attention to me. That kind of annoyed me. A week later, it was my birthday and he brought me a rose and wished me a happy birthday.
Another week later, we met for our first „date“ in a kebab restaurant, where he presented me with a beautiful love letter and we had our first kiss – the garlic flavour didn’t detract from the wonderful moment. We’ve been together ever since and are inseparable – and I already knew in the snack bar that I wanted to marry him one day…
There are soooo many changes at that age. The end of school, university or training – did you do it all together?
We were only 16 or 17 years old, so there was no question of moving in together. I was doing an apprenticeship in the civil service, Achim started a school-based apprenticeship and did his vocational diploma. We saw each other every day, he cycled to me in all weathers on his black and red bike. Even if we only had an hour together, he made the journey every day.
Two years later, we were lucky enough for my parents to buy a small bungalow, which we actually moved into together. After my apprenticeship, I worked in the family business (now for over 18 years) and after many „temporary jobs and further training“, Achim finally got a permanent job 15 years ago in his dream job as a refuse collector/haulage driver.
In your twenties, many people want to let off steam – did you ever want to date someone else?
I’d be lying if I said „no“. Of course, I briefly thought about what it would be like to meet someone else. But I quickly realised that I have no real desire for another man – why should I? Achim is my best friend, my rock, my greatest support and that has always been the case.
And how was it with you, Achim?
Not really, if ever in a „crisis“, but I think that happens in the best relationships. Especially in the first few years, you have to grow together and create a future for yourself. To be honest, I quickly realised that no other woman can hold a candle to her and we always support each other in achieving our goals.
How did those around you react to your childhood sweetheart? Were there any tips along the lines of: don’t tie yourselves to the first one(s) right away?
We got engaged on our third anniversary, but Achim wanted to wait until we both had a permanent job and could afford a dream wedding before we got married.
I remember that my sister and my parents didn’t make the happiest impression when we told them about our engagement… Achim’s parents also got together at such a young age and were therefore always behind us.
What’s the best thing about going through life together for so many years?
We’ve been going through thick and thin for over 21 years now (13 of which we’ve been married), are currently renovating our 3rd (and hopefully last) house and can simply ALWAYS rely on each other. We became parents for the first time 11 years ago, which I think has taken our relationship to another level. Calling my boyfriend husband was already super nice, but having two children who call him dad is an indescribable feeling of happiness.
What do you value most about each other?
Sophie: What I appreciate about Achim is that he stayed by my side during a bad, depressive phase – unconditionally, never reproachfully, just enduring. And that he works his arse off to give us a good life and that he’s also so good-looking 🙂
Achim: What I appreciate about my wife is that she always has my back, goes every step of the way with me, laughs at my silly, black humour and that we can talk about anything and have experienced so much together.
And is there anything that annoys you about each other?
Sophie: Sometimes his drive and tireless will to work annoys me…
Achim: That she still deliberately provokes me in the rare case of arguments…
What do you think is the most important thing for a relationship to last so many years?
Sophie: That’s easy: we repair instead of throwing away!
Achim: Never give up and accept the other person for who they are.
What do you wish for the next few years?
Sophie: I’d like things to be a bit calmer in my private life (our lives are pretty turbulent at the moment) and for us to be able to enjoy our beautiful home. I also hope that our children stay as happy as they are and that all our loved ones stay and become healthy!
Achim: My wish for the future is to have more time to do things as a family again, but also to take time out as a couple. Next year we’re flying to Ireland without children, which I’m really looking forward to.
