OMG! I'm sorry that I haven't seen any of your posts before now.
But I just want to tell you ,your gut never lies. You are young, but not stupid. I (believe it or not) got married TWICE when I was young ...despite the warning signs , because I didn't want to hurt THEIR feelings.
2o years later, it's OK for a woman to have some balls . I know this is hard for you, but believe me, NOT as hard as a huge gut defying mistake. Trust yourself girl and don't make the same mistakes us old ladies made.
You will be fine. Hugs for the hurt, but damn I'm proud of you for following your gut!
I also live in Arkansas. I get to go home in April ,for the summer. Feel free to look me up.