Date Night

In every marriage I think there's a struggle to keep things new and exciting between you and your partner.  It's so easy to get caught up in the mundane day-to-day events.  I don't think any healthy marriage is without disagreements, differences of opinion, or arguments.  At least, I hope that each partner in a relationship has a healthy enough self-image to develop their own opinions and voice them (whether they are the same or different than their partner's).

Tony and I have always worked very hard at keeping our relationship fun.  Although the ways we spend our time might baffle those around us we truly, truly, enjoy the time we spend together.  I had to smile this week when on Facebook I found the following photo:

I'd never given much thought to our philosophy, but I think it this sums it up pretty darn well.  We certainly don't have a lot of money...yet we try to do things that we both enjoy.  One of the things we do is share books.  Whenever we're on a long trip, Tony drives (unless, of course I'm being a backseat driver and frustrating the heck out of him...then I drive).  We started with the Twilight series.  Tony soon became what he calls a "Twi-dork," and we read all four of the books.  We hadn't found a series he'd liked quite as much until lately when we read The Hunger Games (well, the second and third books).  Tony really enjoys seeing a movie first and then reading the books.  He likes to be able to put the characters' names to faces.  So this Friday, for $20, we were able to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  What a great film!  I felt like it stuck pretty closely to the storyline of the book, and it's definitely one I'd recommend!  We were supposed to go out to dinner with my sister and her boyfriend afterward (it was a double-date at the movie).  Luckily for me, Tony was on the same page as I was and we just jetted home to hit the hay.  We're just not used to late nights anymore :)

Sometimes we go for walks with the dog.  Other times we take a leisurely drive down the coast of Lake Michigan and hit all the county parks along the way.  Other times we go to the grocery store to pick out something both of us want...and then we go home, pick out a movie and eat in bed (*gasp*).

Honestly, one of the reasons I know my husband and I are doing alright is that I can be so mad at him -- I mean steaming mad, ready to pull my hair out...and then he gives me a look and it's all I can do not to burst out laughing.  This wonderful man makes me laugh.  And laugh, and laugh, and laugh.  How could I ask for anything more?  The truth is, I shouldn't ask for more...but sometimes I do.  And you know what?  He delivers.  He understands me when I'm hormonally crazy (and regular crazy sometimes, too).  He knows when I need to be held, when I need a good cry, and when I need to be put in my place (that part I don't always appreciate as much, haha).

Don't get me wrong, Tony and I have been through a lot together.  In the four years and five months that we've been together we've had some major challenges we've had to deal with.  Things have not been smooth and sunshiny the entire time.  We didn't get through the rough times alone.  We sought out people to help us help each other.  I am not ashamed to say that we still see a counselor to help us as we try to cope with life.  Not only do we have the every day stresses that any married couple face, we are also facing head-on a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.  The lessons we've learned about each other and ourselves as a couple are invaluable.

As tough some of the struggles we've had have been, I wouldn't give them back or trade them for anything.  Because of those times I can confidently say that my husband and I are together for the right reasons.  I can say that my husband knows me inside and out.  And I, a person who has many insecurities, can tell you that I know without a shadow of a doubt that my husband loves me and would do anything for me.  I think that makes me a pretty lucky gal.  I know it sure makes me a happy one.