After seven years of marriage and two kids, I’ve come to realize that my relationship isn’t as picture-perfect as it seems—thanks to social media. Every day, I’m bombarded with declarations of undying love filling my feed: “You’re my everything, my sweet cupcake!” “Our love grows stronger every day!” It’s enough to make anyone wonder if they’re the only ones who experience the ups and downs of a real relationship.
Sometimes, I find myself clicking “like” on these posts, even as I recall the recent arguments with my spouse over trivial matters. It makes me think—are we the only ones navigating these rocky waters? Surely, we can’t be the only couple struggling while everyone else appears to have an idyllic life.
A wise friend once told me, “You know 100% of your own life, but on social media, you only share the best 5%.” This rings so true. While we may be posting about our vacations and milestones, the daily grind often goes unseen, and it can feel disheartening when we compare our reality to others’ highlights.
When the #LoveYourPartner challenge started trending, I watched with a mix of curiosity and dread. How can I possibly join in when my reality includes disagreements and the occasional chaotic family moment? Sure, we have our beautiful moments, but they’re often mixed with the mundane and the messy.
So, if I were to take part in this challenge, it would look something like this:
Day 1 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
Hey, folks! Just a reminder: we argue. Sometimes it’s about money, parenting, or even old grievances. Can we just agree to put a pin in it today? I nominate every couple who has had a disagreement recently to share their truth.
Day 2 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
Once again, we’re lost and late for an event. My poor sense of direction doesn’t help, even with GPS! Meanwhile, one kid is crying while the other is on the verge of dozing off. Today, I challenge every couple who has ever gone on a drive to escape the house.
Day 3 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
Can I just get a moment to enjoy a glass of wine? Apparently not! Today’s nomination goes to anyone whose partner insists on giving a thumbs-up during every selfie.
Day 4 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
3 a.m. and a baby is wailing. Time to play the “whose turn is it?” game. I nominate anyone who has wished their partner had the ability to nurse during those sleepless nights.
Day 5 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
Here’s my husband, stuck in California traffic. He’s just called to say he’ll be home at never o’clock. I nominate anyone who knows the feeling of being an occasional single-married parent.
Day 6 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
One child is about to tumble down the stairs while the other is in imminent danger of burns from boiling pasta. We’re just passing ships in the night. I challenge couples who have had to juggle parenting chaos to join in.
Day 7 of the Real Love Your Partner Challenge
The kids are finally asleep, which means it’s “us time.” You know what’s really sexy? A good night’s sleep! I nominate every couple who has ever taken “Netflix and Chill” literally.
The #LoveYourPartner challenge aims to celebrate love and strengthen marriages, which is commendable. I’m all for promoting love, but let’s not gloss over the reality: marriage is hard work. It involves daily choices, not just one perfect wedding day. It’s messy, challenging, and filled with moments that test our patience.
For more insights on navigating relationships, check out this post on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in exploring your fertility journey, this resource is a great place to start.
In the end, let’s celebrate love with a dose of honesty. It’s not just about the fairy tale; it’s about the journey we take together—even when it’s a bumpy ride.