Recently, my partner and I marked our 15th wedding anniversary, and with each passing year, we feel like we’re beating the odds. While it’s likely due to our deep love for one another, it could also be attributed to sheer stubbornness.
Thinking back to our first anniversary, we were so pleased with ourselves—young, rested, and wrinkle-free. At 26, with two incomes and no children, we managed to enjoy dinner without anyone crying over their meal. I often wish I could travel back in time to remind my younger self to cherish that carefree phase, where spontaneous moments were a regular occurrence.
However, things have certainly changed over the years, including how we celebrate our anniversary. Here’s a look at our journey:
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Remembering the Date
Then: My schedule was clear except for a big red heart marking our special day.
Now: This year, our anniversary coincided with the first day of school, and while it still had a heart on the calendar, it represented a different kind of excitement. -
Special Plans
Then: We indulged in a couples spa retreat filled with candles, massages, and soft music.
Now: Our plan this year involved a rapid exit from the school parking lot, not exactly a serene getaway. -
Gifts
Then: We exchanged paper gifts, in line with the traditional first anniversary gift—how cliché!
Now: I just had to Google the 15th-anniversary gift, which is crystal. Spoiler: it didn’t happen, and I’m not fussed about it. -
Showering/Shaving
Then: Daily grooming was a given.
Now: My husband knows it’s a special occasion when both of us make the effort. -
Fancy Dinner
Then: We dined at a fancy restaurant with a wide array of utensils.
Now: We didn’t secure a babysitter, but we did manage dinner with our kids, who found great joy in tossing forks onto the floor. -
Things That Creak
Then: Our bed.
Now: My knees. -
Toys
Then: *cough cough*
Now: The only battery-operated surprise in our bedroom lately is a stuffed snowman saying, “Hi! I’m Olaf! Wanna be my friend?” at the most inopportune times. -
Dreams
Then: We imagined our future filled with children, pets, and our own home.
Now: Our dreams revolve around enjoying a lie-in and paying off our mortgage in a few centuries.
After all these years, we’ve mastered the essence of true romance. I support him during his moments of frustration with the kids, and he ensures the toilet seat is down at night to prevent unfortunate accidents. We have learned that meaningful moments don’t need to be extravagant; often, they’re simple glances exchanged across the room, like when he looked at me and thought about our child’s recent outburst, “Is she really saying that?” and we both suppressed laughter.
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In summary, our anniversary has transformed significantly over the years, from lavish celebrations to simple shared moments. It’s a reminder that love evolves, and the most genuine connections often arise from the little things.