“Love conquers all, right?” Well, it’s supposed to.
Today, Jan. 27 marks the 21st year of wedded bliss for Russ and I.
During the past 21 years we have never thought of divorce. Murder? Often!
There really isn’t any secret to a long marriage as some suggest. Going in with the mindset that “divorce is not an option” has been helpful for our long-term success. It’s not that 21 years is all that long, it’s just that so many people don’t make it past the five-year mark.
Commitment seems to be missing from many of today’s marriages. And acceptance. Acceptance is the biggy for me, and it’s no easy task.
Anytime two people live together for more than 20 years, there are bound to be annoying, irritating and frustrating moments (or many moments that last days). But to be fair,and I’m sure Russ would agree, that I have been annoying or irritating on more than one occasion.
But whether it’s the toothpaste cap, toilet seat, snoring, or their undeniable love for their junk mail collection, one thing is for sure, the best marriages are all about acceptance for the uniqueness of each others’individuality.
I have to believe that no two people are alike and that is what makes for an interesting marriage. Russ and I are opposites in many ways, but when it comes to family we are on the same page.
Our children and now grandchild come first. Our little soon to be 4-year-old granddaughter is what gives us joy now. She is the reason our old achy bodies get out of bed in the morning.
It has been said that its the quality of time, not the quantity that matters. But the quantity of the quality time spent together is what really matters most. It’s a little work but it can be done.
You have to accept all faults, creaks, bumps days of drama, maintenance and crankiness and be ready to (cough,cough) admit when you are wrong. You may not always see eye-to-eye-to-eye and that’s a good thing. In fact that it keeps a spontaneity in your lives, some challenge. And I am always up for a good challenge.
It also helps to disguise vegetables wrapped in bacon.
