By: Emily Carter
Updated: September 20, 2023
Originally Published: January 6, 2015
Dear Partner,
Lately, I’ve noticed that neither of us seems to be quite ourselves. We’re both running on fumes, feeling the strain of our hectic lives. While we find joy in our family, the pressure often feels overwhelming.
You bear the responsibility of supporting a family of four, and I can see the stress and worry etched on your face. Coming home, you’re met with the chaos of bath time and bedtime routines. Your mornings start early, often interrupted by a baby who has no regard for sleep.
Meanwhile, I’m at home with our two little ones, grappling with sleepless nights. My body feels foreign, and I struggle to make the hours count. Some days, I feel like I’m failing as a mother and as a partner. I question why I can’t manage two kids and have dinner ready by the time you’re home. I fear you might be asking yourself the same thing.
I want to apologize for the times I’ve lashed out at you. I regret letting my frustration spill over into our conversations, for the accusations and the moments of doubt.
But underneath that, I am deeply grateful for you. I appreciate your willingness to wake up early with the baby, your playful spirit with our children, and your unwavering support of my parenting decisions. You go above and beyond to provide for our family.
I don’t often express it, but as I drift off to sleep, I cherish the lingering hugs we manage to share in the hallway. Those moments, when you pull me in closer, remind me of the love we still share. Even amidst this beautiful chaos, we are still a couple, still connected.
It’s easy to reminisce about the time before children, when we went out on dates, cuddled on the couch, exchanged heartfelt notes, and fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms. That’s love, but I believe real love is what we are experiencing now. It’s the daily commitment to sacrifice, to show up even when we’re exhausted. It’s the small, unglamorous gestures: letting you sleep in an extra half hour while I take care of the kids, or bathing them so you can have a moment of peace. It’s about prioritizing our children’s needs while supporting one another along the way. This, my dear, is real love.
I’ve heard that navigating these early parenting years is challenging, but I am confident we’ll come through it stronger. We are not just a couple anymore; we are a family. You are my home in a crowded room, and I can’t picture my life without you. For every diaper you change, every late night you endure, and every long day at work, I recognize these as the true romantic gestures of our times. This is what real love looks like.
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In summary, true love is about the sacrifices we make for each other and our family, a commitment to support one another through the chaos of parenting.