For months, I meticulously planned the day of our remarriage. I chose the flowers, the dress, the venue, and even the attendants. Everything was falling into place as we stood together, hand in hand, gazing into each other’s eyes—ready to be married—by Elvis.
Okay, technically it was a reenactment, but it was Elvis himself, dressed in a black polyester jumpsuit adorned with countless rhinestones and silver studs. With his midriff unzipped to flaunt his shaved chest and gold chains, he sported those iconic mutton-chop sideburns and aviator sunglasses. He was everything you’d expect from the King, crooning “Can’t Help Falling in Love” into the microphone, and I couldn’t help but tear up.
Fast forward to our 20th anniversary, and we thought what better way to celebrate than in Las Vegas, surrounded by our three kids and some very patient family members. To be honest, my husband wasn’t initially on board with the idea. But when I suggested that it was either Elvis or a significant piece of anniversary bling, he quickly came around. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, tears, and yes, even Hawaiian shirts. Our kids will remember this day for years to come.
Reflecting on that special moment, I realized it wasn’t just a fun family story; it also provided valuable lessons about marriage. Now that we’ve hit the two-decade mark, I feel justified in sharing some insights on cultivating a thriving relationship.
1. Know Your Roles
And no, I’m not referring to outdated stereotypes. It’s crucial to embrace your individual strengths. In our marriage, I’m the dreamer—the one who suggests bold moves like relocating to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, escaping the dreary New England winters, or planning our Elvis escapade. My husband, Mark, is grounded and excels at managing our day-to-day life, ensuring our finances are in order. Understanding our distinct contributions helps us better appreciate one another, even if I am still the more adventurous one.
2. Keep It Light
Life has its serious moments—illness, work challenges, and parenting hurdles. But when you can, choose fun over seriousness. Sure, getting married by Elvis in a less-than-glamorous Vegas chapel might not be the epitome of romance, but it was one heck of a good time. We’d rather prioritize entertaining moments than worry about impressing others.
3. Make Him Feel Valued
Don’t get me wrong; the spark doesn’t always shine as brightly as it used to. Between managing home improvement lists and everyday chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of the romance. Take the time to celebrate your partner, whether it’s a goofy Valentine’s card or a “Grill Master” apron for his birthday. Show your kids that you value your relationship; it sets a positive example for them.
4. Include the Kids
Research shows that a healthy partnership is one of the best gifts you can give your children. When planning our anniversary celebration, we couldn’t imagine doing it without our kids. As our oldest approaches his final year of high school, we recognize that family vacations are becoming rarer. We wanted them to witness our commitment to each other, reinforcing their sense of security. If it doesn’t work out? Well, that’s just another story for their future therapists.
In summary, find ways to celebrate your family. You don’t have to jet off to Vegas for every milestone, but every couple of decades, a little Elvis flair might be just what you need. For more insights on family and relationships, check out this informative post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re considering at-home options, Make A Mom offers reliable insemination kits. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit ASRM.
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