In the journey of marriage or any long-term partnership, it’s crucial to set aside the fantasies portrayed in romantic films. You are choosing to share your life with someone who will see all your imperfections and may even call you out on them from time to time.
My partner, Alex, isn’t one to express affection with traditional gifts like roses or luxurious jewelry. Instead, every Sunday evening, he prepares an extraordinary meal, whether it’s a hearty chili, succulent ribs, French onion soup, roasted veggies, or a delightful apple crisp. He typically starts marinating ingredients early in the day, and by the time dinner rolls around, every bite serves as a reminder of his deep love for me.
Truths About Marriage
Over the years, I’ve come to understand several truths about marriage:
- Marriage is sitting through a documentary about the history of gold-mining, all while resisting the temptation to grab the remote.
- Marriage is someone nudging you to exercise when you’re convinced that a donut would be more satisfying.
- Marriage is occasionally giving someone a playful gesture of annoyance when they aren’t looking.
- Marriage is knowing the perfect Monty Python quote for every situation, even if you’ve never actually seen the show.
- Marriage is attempting to avoid discussing the kids during a date night, yet inevitably failing.
- Marriage is recounting the tale of how you met, even if you tell it poorly at a dinner gathering.
- Marriage is playfully scaring your partner for kicks.
- Marriage is being in a social setting and having someone who can flawlessly mirror the eye-roll you’re feeling.
- Marriage is cuddling too closely and realizing you’re getting overheated but choosing to savor the moment a little longer.
- Marriage is holding back from saying, “I told you so,” even when it’s on the tip of your tongue.
- Marriage is the creation of a comforting chicken soup from scratch.
- Marriage is strolling together down an unfamiliar street in the rain and eventually finding a cozy pub, realizing you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
- Marriage is facing the reality of being wrong on numerous occasions and having your partner gently remind you of it.
- Marriage is forgetting all the times you needed to retrieve the butter.
- Marriage is engaging in debates about taxes.
- Marriage is sharing sleepless nights due to children’s illnesses, strange noises, stolen blankets, or nightmares.
- Marriage is that rare evening when the kids are at their grandparents’, and instead of going out, you find yourselves ordering burritos, indulging in Netflix, and dozing off on the couch.
- Marriage is saying hurtful things and immediately wishing for forgiveness.
- Marriage is envisioning the future together—gray hair, love handles, comfy tracksuits, surprising your grandchildren with cheeky jokes, and cozy evenings in side-by-side recliners.
Ultimately, marriage is about having faith in your partner—truly believing in them—even after witnessing their most embarrassing moments.
Marriage requires letting go of preconceived notions of what it should be. It can be messy, awkward, and often silent, yet it also means knowing that there’s someone who will always laugh at your jokes and help you reach that pesky spot on your back.
If you found this perspective enlightening, check out our other blog post about home insemination, which offers valuable insights into starting a family.
Summary
Marriage is a complex tapestry of love, understanding, and shared experiences. It requires the acceptance of imperfections and the ability to find joy in everyday moments. From cooking together to sharing sleepless nights, the journey is both challenging and rewarding, ultimately fostering a deep belief in one another.