I was just thinking about how in the first blush of love we adore everything about our partner. All his idiosyncrasies are adorable. All his dreams can be accommodated.
As the relationship ages, we are challenged by everyday responsibilities, financial stress, child-rearing challenges, and over-exposure. The idiosyncrasies feel like personal torture. What if his dreams take him away from you? What if the children play you so well that you are constantly divided until the house feels like it’s at war. What then?
What makes the diffference to getting through those irritations and challenges and going the distance?
Cheers to the couples that make it through incredible challenges. This week a friend of mine celebrates her 25th anniversary to a man she adores. They have weathered 4 children, the arrival of 3 more who needed a family, an accident that led to parapalegia and the ensuing financial challenges. They have raised 7 fantastic kids to be honest and respectful individuals; they have built successful businesses. I am constantly impressed by them.
Happy Anniversary, my friends. I hope you enjoy 50 more together.
Shawn L. Bird 
I have to say I am verry lucky to have parents who will stay together for 25 years without killing each other, Many of my friends parents have gotten divorced and I would like to say that I adore my parents for sticking together through everything and I hope one day to find someone who will make me as happy as my daddy makes my mom, and I hope we will last forever to. My parents are my inspiration so I’d like to say I love you guys and have a happy anniversary!
HERE HERE!!!! Happy Anniversary, and many many more to our friends!!!!
Shawn! You make me feel like my typical, everyday life might actually be somewhat extraordinary! All things worth doing are worth doing right… and that applies even to, no… especially to relationships. We have the misfortune of living in a world of instant gratification and quick results. I thinks that some people find it easier to walk away from something worth having because the effort required might be more than they are willing to give. I am thrilled everyday to wake up and be me! I think that if more people felt that way we would have better adjusted kids, happier marriages and more fulfilling careers. Or maybe it is as simple as my hubby’s silly little motto: “Happy wife, happy life”!!
Ange- your everyday IS extraordinary. I am proud to know you. I think your darling man definitely has hit upon a secret to success! It works in reverse as well. Treat your spouse like you still adore them, and they will remain adorable and adoring of you.
Keren’s use of exclamation points is right on!
I am more impressed by folks that have a story like that than the media bombardment of celebrities and sports “icons.” Don’t be “conned” folks:)
I trust in three years you can celebrate the 25th anniversary with Ralph and Darlene Hass! I will get you a list of gifts I would like to receive…Ha!…