Perfectly Imperfect

You don’t have to be perfect to have an ideal relationship, well almost perfect. I remember the days when my husband visited me at my home, he would take roses or chocolates, and we would talk for hours. Oh, such good times.
Twenty years later, my husband keeps bringing me roses, but I have three small children, one dog, one fish, and a turtle. It is hard to be romantic when I have tons of laundry waiting for me. But one thing that has helped me in my marriage is the love and admiration I feel for my husband.
I began reading Dr. John Gottman’s New York Times bestseller, “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work,” a few years ago. In the book, there is so much information about how to strengthen relationships. Dr, Gottman suggests that couples remember their beginnings. How did you feel when you first met?
My marriage history seems so far away now, but it helps me each day to remember all the good times we had and continue looking to the future.
One thing that I remember was my husband was always kind and still is. It’s important to remember the good qualities and focus on that. That will help relationships grow stronger.
When one has children, it’s easy to forget about your partner, and this has happened to me. In the mists of all my activities, I lose track of my husband’s needs. Last week we took the time to go on a date. We arranged to have a babysitter, and we went to the art museum. It was such a beautiful night. My husband doesn’t enjoy art as I do, but after the museum, we took a walk.
The serene and quiet night reminded us of that love when we were teenagers; we laughed and ate ice cream.
Twenty years seem like a long time; we have had ups and downs, but our friendship and commitment to each other have nurtured our dedication and love for each other. So if you are here reading, I hope that you take the time to go on a date and remember that young and crazy love.
You don’t have to be perfect; you have to be willing.