Yes, seven years ago, and as you said, it's been an incredible, and often gut-wrenching journey. My husband and I actually opened up our marriage shortly before I met him. I'm convinced that the call to find him was what prompted me to want to do that, since it was my idea (although James readily agreed). But Nat, my TF, is also married and although they have kind of a "don't ask, don't tell" dynamic, he's not really free to be involved with me - something that I have finally come to accept after years and years of trying to make it work, most of that long distance.
I've learned a lot about myself and grown in so many ways, but in truth, this isn't a dynamic I would wish on anyone. It's so challenging and confusing at times. I've finally come to view it as primarily an opportunity for me to develop a deeper relationship with myself, and to recognize that the TF dynamic is more of a deep connection than an in-this-life relationship.
Here are a few things I've written about it in the past.
