Dear Partner,
If there’s one lesson I’ve taken away from our journey together, it’s that marriage isn’t solely about love. You know as well as I do that there are times when it can be anything but patient or kind. There are moments when you find yourself questioning what led you to commit to this one person for life. It can feel like a clash of egos, and those quirks that once charmed you can suddenly become sources of irritation. That off-key singing? Not so adorable anymore; it’s more like nails on a chalkboard.
Sometimes, marriage includes the silent gestures of frustration, maybe even a few creative curses muttered in your head. It’s about taking things too personally, where even the smallest perceived slight feels like a declaration of war. Those moments can be downright annoying, frustrating, and seem so unfair.
Yet, there are also the times when marriage transforms into something entirely different. It’s like I’m gasping for air, then I look up and see you, and suddenly I can breathe again. It’s that knowing glance across a crowded room that says, “I’m done for the day; let’s get out of here.”
It’s watching our kids experience new milestones, feeling pride swell in both our hearts as we celebrate their accomplishments. Even when they’re unpredictable little beings, we can revel in discussing their antics endlessly because they’re ours. And yes, sometimes it involves taking turns with parenting duties just so the other can recharge—because, wow, this can be exhausting.
We share the burden of sadness as we watch our loyal dog age, knowing we’re both bracing for the inevitable heartache. It’s in the comfortable silence we share, lounging on the couch, where we can indulge without a care in the world (though I admit, this tends to be more my area of expertise).
Marriage is about embracing both anger and joy, navigating the high peaks and the deep valleys. It’s about recognizing the lurking feelings of resentment and contempt, yet choosing to push them aside together.
Love and marriage may not always align perfectly. They may intertwine, unravel, and fray like the threads of a well-loved blanket. But I’m willing to share that blanket with you for as long as we both choose to be together—hopefully, that’s forever. Just do me a favor: keep the singing to a minimum.
Love,
Your Wife