Same here. Married my girl when I just turned 22, and she was 21 and still had 2 more years of school to go. Had nothing and were kids when we met. Bought a house, had some kids, worked our ways up thru our careers. It's been 12 and 1/2 years.
The key ?
Be a man that not only demands, but earns respect. (keep your word, have unwavering priorities, handle business)
Keep your friends and family out of your relationship. (no exceptions, mother, sister, brother, besties)
Have fun with each other, actively spend time doing stuff together. (flirting, dating, shopping, hobbies, movies, whatever)
I mean theres def more to it, but I'm kinda busy at work.