This week is our 21st wedding anniversary.
I can clearly remember the days as a teen and later as a young adult longing to have love in my life. I was never much of a ladies guy and there were times when I was sure I would never find the right person. It turns out I did not need to find anyone as thanks to a mutual friend we found each other through a blind date.
Someone this week through e-mail made a comment about our length of marriage success and kiddingly said he should get advice from me. Me being me I could not help but respond with some top of mind thoughts. Here they are
- Marry the right person to start (people are not fixer uppers)
- Be partners (no separate accounts; no secrets)
- Have common interests (hobbies that you do together)
- Have uncommon interests (Hobbies that make you/her happy and provide “me” time)
- Honor with actions (Always strive to think positively and speak positively about spouse)
- Never stop perusing (dates, adventures together, random acts of kindness)
- Never stop moving forward (plans for the future—dreams)
- Surround yourself with successful marriages(If we are the average of those around us be around couples that will lift you up)
- Make sure you are yoked (philosophy on God, money, health, children etc)
- Marry your spouse and not your career. (Jobs come and go but family should be forever)
- Communicate
- Communicate
- Communicate
Like any couple we have faced many challenges over the years but along the way there has never been any question that no matter what we are in this together and forever. Neither of us would have it any other way.