Marriage is a conscious decision, and I reaffirm mine each day.
During my wedding vows, I may not have been completely honest. My partner, Alex, and I have distinct personalities. He enjoys the comforts of home, relishing quiet evenings, affordable dinners, and the latest shows that challenge conventional thinking. In contrast, I thrive on exploration, often overspending for memorable experiences, and my entertainment choices are limited to documentaries about World War II, or series like Game of Thrones, True Detective, and The Office.
Our paths crossed through mutual friends, many of whom remain close (two even stood by us on our wedding day). Our first conversation was a spirited debate about the Italian and Greek empires—a playful skirmish that hinted at the dynamic of our relationship.
Initially, our bond was rooted in shared interests: our advocacy for the middle class, a mutual admiration for American-made cars (BUICK FOR LIFE!), and a penchant for playful banter. It was exhilarating and fast-paced, yet it lacked the foundation for a lasting partnership.
Upon moving in together, our dynamic began to transform. What were once engaging discussions morphed into sharp criticisms over trivial matters, escalating into personal attacks. This reality is a testament to what marriage truly entails.
It’s about selecting your battles wisely and acknowledging your partner’s imperfections. You can either allow these shortcomings to cloud your judgment or recognize that their positive traits far outweigh any flaws.
Marriage is an ongoing choice. It persists until the end—whether due to divorce or death. Each day presents new decisions. For instance, while Alex sometimes perceives my frustration as condescension, I often view his reactions as overly dramatic. We’re both sensitive to each other’s habits, and ironically, the traits that now irritate me were once the very reasons I fell in love with him.
In 2012, I described Alex as fiercely loyal, someone who stands by his beliefs and defends his friends unconditionally. Today, in moments of frustration, I might say he’s blindly loyal, often prioritizing friends over his own values.
Conversely, if I had to guess, he would have called me ambitious and insightful in our early days. Yet, in times of tension, he might accuse me of manipulating discussions to undermine his points.
This brings me to a crucial aspect of our marriage: while we can negotiate over household chores, holidays, or parenting duties, we should never compromise on our core values. Those very characteristics could lead to the end of a marriage, yet they also laid the groundwork for its beginning.
I cherish my husband, and that bond will endure. He has brought me joy, laughter, confidence, and a dishwasher. If we ever reach a point where we find it hard to be together for an extended period, communication will remain key in determining what’s best for us and our child.
Marriage is a daily commitment. I may not have articulated it during our vows on June 21, 2015, but I pledge to keep him among my top priorities. I will strive to move past our trivial disagreements and always place our son first. Most importantly, I vow to ensure that Alex remains my cherished choice, never an obligation. He deserves to be the best thing in my life, just as I deserve to be his. If that ever shifts, I will speak up rather than remain silent.
For more information about starting a family, consider exploring resources like Women’s Health, which offers excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in exploring home insemination options, you can find more details about impregnator kits that may suit your needs. Additionally, Alternative Eats provides tasty ideas to spice up your meals during this journey.
In summary, marriage is a conscious choice made every day, requiring commitment, communication, and a willingness to embrace both the strengths and weaknesses of one another.