I have now been married for a little over 5 weeks. I think it's funny when people ask me how it is. Of course it's fabulous; we're in the honeymooner's stage. However, I plan on letting our honeymooner's stage last several decades.
Nate and I sharing a dance with my parents at our wedding in St. Paul.
Today is my parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary. Obviously they have been in love for quite some time. I would argue that they are still in their honeymooner stage. It embarrassed me in high school when my parents would make out in the kitchen in front of us and our friends or make sexual innuendoes with one another. Now I find it endearing. At ages 50 and 54, they are still wildly attracted to one another. It's not because my dad is an everyday George Clooney and my mom a Christie Brinkley. They are normal people without personal stylists and trainers. Although they have aged well and keep with the trends as they see fit, they are still just normal. But their red hot chemistry is something I don't see in many other marriages. You could read articles and articles on "how to keep your relationship sizzling hot" and still not get it. Here's what I have observed that my folks do:
1. They are affectionate. They still hold hands at the mall. Like I mentioned before, they kiss passionately in public. It's not a gross kiss, but one that says, "baby, I love you." I remember my mom telling me one Valentines Day, "You know, your dad doesn't buy me expensive gifts all the time or bring me home flowers or write me poetry, but at the end of the day when he holds me I KNOW he loves me. That is important." It is so romantic.
2. They go on dates. At least once a week they make it a priority to spend time together alone. Usually this means going out to dinner. Some nights though, it's just getting a drink and an appetizer at Kincaid's or going shopping together or going to see some live music. Just a chance to talk and be together with out kids monopolizing the conversation.
3. They put each other first. Aside from their relationships with God. However, their relationship came before us kids. When my dad would come home from work or after dinner my parents would talk to each other. If we would interrupt, my parents would say, "Please don't interrupt. You're going to have to wait. Mommy and daddy are talking now." Obviously if it were a matter of health or trauma, they would drop anything to help us, but usually we just wanted to ask for a snack. They knew their relationship was the rock that held us together.
4. They are best friends. They legitimately enjoy spending time together. If they are ever doing an activity with out the other they will say, "I wish your mom/dad were here. They would really enjoy this." Then, more often than not, they will go back to do that activity together. They love each other obviously - they always have. More than that, they ENJOY each other.
Overall, my parents' love for each other is magical and inspiring. I look forward to many long years of marriage with my husband.
