When we put our lives online for the world to see, we leave ourselves vulnerable to judgment. This young couple, Matt and Brittany Montgomery, knows this all too well. They love sharing photos of themselves together online, but people have reacted negatively, criticizing their relationship. However, their response to the criticism is clever and serves as a sobering lesson on the value of standing firm in one’s convictions.

Matt and Brittany’s story is one that happens all the time yet is nonetheless remarkable because of the people involved. The two met, fell in love, and began building a life together. Their narrative may sound familiar, but there is a twist: Brittany is a plus-size woman who weighs 252 pounds, and Matt, her husband, is not.

Brittany has struggled all her life to feel like she belongs. She did not feel safe with her overbearing parents and often felt depleted after their conversations. This led her to dislike her physique and feel inadequate. As a plus-size woman, she encountered two types of men: those who wanted her to lose weight and those who found her curves sexually alluring. Because of her dismal luck in relationships, she considered ending her search for love completely.

But destiny had other plans for her. Brittany met Matt online in August 2020. Their bodies couldn’t have been more different, but their spirits were bound as never before. Brittany reflected, “I was a bit hesitant at first. I’ve been in relationships where guys have told me that they will dump me if I don’t start dieting or trying to lose weight. It did affect my self-confidence, and at one point, I did start working out and trying to change my size.”

Despite past insecurities, Brittany and Matt were confident in their love for one another. After Matt’s proposal on January 30, 2022, the couple immediately began making plans for their future. They are completely at ease with one another, but they often discussed the outsider’s perception of their relationship. When asked about the comments on his Instagram post, Matt said, “People comment on Instagram and suggest that I’m not big enough or man enough for her. I do notice people staring when we walk down the street…”

Yet, these criticisms don’t faze them. They have nothing but love for one another, and it doesn’t matter how many people criticize their relationship. Matt’s previous interactions with women of “normal” size had not gone well. The way Brittany makes him feel led Matt to the conclusion that she is indeed his soulmate. He loves her for who she is and works hard to ensure her happiness.

Not one to hold back from showing his affection, Matt recently said, “You are worthy, you are deserving of infinite love every single day and more. The way I look at you and feel for you and the way you look and feel for me is how I know that we are meant to be.” He often captions photos of himself and his wife with the unpleasant comments others have left on other couples’ photos, proving his love for his spouse and the depth of their relationship beyond what meets the eye. What a great comeback against the naysayers!

The couple is working to normalize relationships between people of different sizes. Brittany expressed a hope that “mixed-weight relationships were more common and more the norm,” saying, “I wish they were.” Just last month, the young couple announced they are expecting their second child, Lakelyn, in September 2023. We wish them the best.

Finding real love and doing what makes you happy are not subject to any hard and fast rules. No matter what, we should all find ways to embrace and love one another. The story of Matt and Brittany Montgomery reminds us that true love transcends physical appearances and societal judgments. Their unwavering commitment to each other in the face of criticism is a powerful testament to the strength of their bond and the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions.