IZ and me… and some really self-satisfied guy. Don’t ask me who he was, but I bet he gives good advice.
Two weeks. In just two short weeks we hit 20 years. And that should make me an expert on marriage, right?  Yeah, not so much. I’ve always taken a “no advice” approach to the topic, because I believe that marriages are as unique as the individuals in them. If it’s advice you’re looking for, the google can point you to any number of books on the subject. And there are more blogs with twenty-something experts willing to tell you how wonderful marriage is and how you can solve every argument in a mere 15 minutes if you just take their webinar. And I’m pretty sure Dr. Phil is still on the air. Don’t even get me started on the twitter gurus.
But I don’t think a successful pairing of individuals can be boiled down to pat formulas. What works for us may not, probably won’t, work for you. However, I would be disingenuous if I said I hadn’t learned something in the past twenty years. I suspect there are some universals; like respect and compassion and understanding the difference between need and want, I just don’t think those universals solely apply to marriage. They are the universals of a life well lived. And you hardly  need me or some expert to explicate the obvious!
What I can tell you, is that I’ve been ridiculously blessed. And I can honestly say  I’ve attempted to live every day mindful of how fortunate I am to be spending this life with IZ.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
Absolutely, I agree. There are no answers, just effort and trying to make it work.
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Right? I’m so glad you get it! 😀 ~W
I’m just so glad you put up with me. My life has been richer for it!
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It goes both ways, darling! ~W
Effort. Yes. And grace. Yes.
It appears BOTH went into your hubby’s outfit in the photo!
Congrats on 20, people. You are an inspiration!
Yes, congratulations. I’d say that there is one bit of advice that would ring true for you (after seeing that photo above): approaching marriage with a healthy sense of humor doesn’t hurt.
P.S. Referring to having a sense of humor about the photo above, I’m sure you guessed, had nothing to do with the lovely lady pictured in it and everything to do with those shorts.
Every relationship has its pitfalls and its joys – I am being allowed to re-learn that lesson.
Happy 20th – you two may not be perfect, but you’re perfect for each other. 😀
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Aw, thanks, Emily. ~kitty
Congrats on twenty – and don’t think because you’re not an expert that I won’t be asking you for advice when and if I ever marry. 🙂
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Well, I’m not so hot on the advice part… but I’m a really good listener. 😀 And thank you, Carly! ~W
You are wise O-B-Wendi
Congrats, gratitude on both sides wins the day! 🙂
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😀 I’m cracking up. Thanks for that. ~Wende
Congratulations…how wonderful to have been able to create and share a story with someone for so long. I was sitting here thinking how long my EX and I would have been together this year and we missed your mark by 2 years…live is so amazing, no?