As of today, my wife and I have been married for 10-years. It’s really an amazing fact when I stop to consider this fact. As we discussed last night, over 1/4 of our lives has been spent together. Almost unbelievable, actually. Why? Because so much in our lives has changed, in what now seems such a fleetingly short time. From homeownership to children, the list goes on. But she has become a constant in my life. I can only hope that she feels the same about me.
Some Thoughts On Marriage
There is a great deal of societal pressure on marriage these days. Divorce rates suggest there is, at best, a 50/50 shot that marriages will last, over the long term. When you consider this from a rational perspective, its ludicrous. Every bit of research on the subject I’ve found shows that people in healthy marriages live longer lives, and generally report feeling greater satisfaction on a day-to-day basis than their single counterparts. Children who grow up in two parent homes tend to grow up happier and better adjusted as well. We were built to have a partner in this journey we call life. Yet, this is in direct conflict with the high divorce rates. Why?
I think the thing about marriage that people forget is that it takes work. We are meant to have a partner in life. Most of us seek out partnership. But we forget along the way that maintaining a healthy marriage, just like staying healthy, and all the other important things in life, takes effort. You will argue along the way. Expect it, because it will happen. And you will make up, if you so choose. If you don’t take the time to tell your spouse how you feel about them, how will they know? If you don’t make time to maintain the bond that brought you together, it will wither. So cherish and nurture it.
Today, I’m celebrating my marriage with my wife. I consider myself lucky to have found someone who is willing to put up with some of silly and sometimes thoughtless things I do. Someone who accepts me for who I am – the good, the bad, and the ugly. She is my wife and my best friend.
Honey – If you’re reading this – Happy Anniversary!
T.M.D.
Great post!
In the words of Paul McCartney “It’s not just a love machine, it don’t work out if you don’t work at it!”