For me, it was that first barbecue when "Jungle Jim", an ex-air force bloke with four kids, walked into the room. I remember wearing a white skirt and orange shirt; he came in with boots and jeans carrying a big cooler. Twenty years later, he still has those same items.
He was loud, charming, yet presented as such an alpha male - you wouldn't expect him to be vulnerable about mental health struggles. But there he was, being open about his rough past after separation. When my friend asked me what I thought of him, I blurted out that I could fall in love with this man.
It wasn't long before we'd taken all six kids on a family holiday to Thailand and moved in together. We had so much in common - our international backgrounds and parents' experiences as engineers who worked abroad. The only thing missing was the ring, but Jim surprised me by proposing at the Taj Mahal during sunset viewing.
When I asked him if he was worried about rejection, his response made my heart skip a beat: "I was more worried about what would happen to me if I didn't ask you." That's when it clicked - this softness, care, and loyalty were beneath the bloke's tough exterior.
He was loud, charming, yet presented as such an alpha male - you wouldn't expect him to be vulnerable about mental health struggles. But there he was, being open about his rough past after separation. When my friend asked me what I thought of him, I blurted out that I could fall in love with this man.
It wasn't long before we'd taken all six kids on a family holiday to Thailand and moved in together. We had so much in common - our international backgrounds and parents' experiences as engineers who worked abroad. The only thing missing was the ring, but Jim surprised me by proposing at the Taj Mahal during sunset viewing.
When I asked him if he was worried about rejection, his response made my heart skip a beat: "I was more worried about what would happen to me if I didn't ask you." That's when it clicked - this softness, care, and loyalty were beneath the bloke's tough exterior.
! I mean, who proposes at the Taj Mahal during sunset?! 
It's like he was trying to prove that even though he might seem tough on the outside, he's got a super soft spot for his partner 
. And can we talk about how relatable it is when you find someone with similar backgrounds and interests as you? I've been there too, and it makes all the difference 
! The way he's so open about his mental health struggles too... it just shows how brave and vulnerable he is as a person 
. Anyway, I'm totally shipping this couple 
!!!
that's soooo romantic! It sounds like Jim had a major crush on her from day one, but kept his true feelings hidden behind that rugged air force exterior 
. And isn't it amazing how he opened up about his mental health struggles and proved to be more vulnerable than anyone thought? 
His proposal at the Taj Mahal is literally the most dreamy thing ever! 
I'm living for those sunset vibes 
. The fact that he was worried about what would happen to him if she said no shows us that he's truly invested in their relationship 
.
! And can we talk about how charming he is? I mean, who wouldn't fall for that smile 
! Its clear you two are meant to be and I'm so happy for you both 
. And what's with the meandering intro, feels like a whole separate article or something. Just give us the real talk about Jungle Jim already! 
It's also crazy how finding someone who shares similar backgrounds and values can just click into place and make you feel like "this is it". And that proposal at the Taj Mahal? 
he sounds like such a great guy 
i'm shipping him & your friend from day one 
their love story is giving me all the feels 
. and omg the proposal at the taj mahal sounds like a dream come true 
it takes so much courage to talk about that stuff, especially for guys who are perceived as "alpha males" 
. What I love most is how you say he had a tough exterior but was actually super soft and caring beneath the surface 
just kidding sorta... but seriously though, it's crazy how some people can be all rough on the outside and still have these super soft spots 
And that proposal at the Taj Mahal? 
totally swoon-worthy. But honestly, it's not about the grand gestures, it's about finding someone who can appreciate your quirks and flaws... like having four kids and carrying around the same cooler from 20 years ago 
. Its great that they shared so many experiences together & have built a life as a family - its clear that love can conquer all! 
I don't get why they're making a whole episode of their show just because Jim proposed at the Taj Mahal 
it's not like it was some grand romantic gesture or anything 
. Like, he asked her and she said yes... that's it 
Can't they just move on already? 
And now we're seeing more ex-soldiers like Jungle Jim speaking out about their struggles... it's like, so inspiring to see a "tough guy" vulnerable and open about his emotions 
Only 1 in 5 men will talk about their feelings with someone else! 
I'm loving the fact that Jim broke those stereotypes, though... he's proof that you don't have to be a certain way to be vulnerable and strong 
Umm, no way! Like, I gotta disagree with myself... I think the dude was actually kinda creepy 
. All that sudden romanticizing over him? Give me a break! He starts off as this loud, confident guy but then just drops all his tough-guy act and pours his heart out about mental health struggles? That's either super brave or super messed up... I mean, which one is it?! 
. But on the other hand... *sigh*... maybe there's something to be said for looking beyond the surface level and finding someone who's actually vulnerable and genuine