A scene from my wedding day.
Are there secrets to a lasting and happy marriage? What makes one marriage last and others end?
Fifteen years ago my flat mate and I held an impromptu party in our flat to celebrate Australia Day. At that party we both invited a someone that we thought the other might like or at least find interesting. Luckily for me, I found her guy interesting, and he felt the same way because we connected immediately and spent most of the night in deep conversation! We were engaged within six months, and married two years to the day we met.I don't know if there is one definitive secret to fit all marriages because every marriage is unique, but in my experience, there has definitely been some things that have contributed to our longevity.Support each other's dreams. Both of us are creative people, and both of us at one time or another have quit good jobs in order to follow our dreams. The excitement of the pursuit far outweighs the worry and what ifs? Eventually.
Remember that you can't always get what you want - everything is a negotiation. Compromise is part of the deal. Take turns if you have to, but come to an agreement as best you can.Try, really try to never go to bed angry with each other. I have not always lived up to this because it can sometimes be really difficult to forget your anger and apologize so that you can go to bed together happily. But it's worth it.Laughter is a great healer. Laugh often and as much as you can together. Our kids are a great help with this one, we often find ourselves laughing at something the girls have said or done. I love that.Don't forget to say "I love you". It's ok to fight, to get angry, communication is key, but sometimes it's really nice to hear that you're doing a great job too. I like that one too. It really helps.
So today I am dedicating this post to my husband in honor of our thirteenth wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary my lion man, I am very proud of you. Life has tested us over and over and yet I wouldn't want to have gone through it with anyone else. I know that things are only going to get better for us and I cannot wait to make more memories with you my love.
Kisses,
Heidi
Images: Top image my own. Bottom image of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward from Pinterest.
