SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE REVEALED!

Okay, so maybe not. But today is my second wedding anniversary. I think that’s pretty significant. Upon reflecting on the two years thus far, I’ve realized that our relationship hasn’t changed. Sure, it’s become a better machine, as we’ve come to understand each other better. But, I still see us as the giggly newlyweds of September 18th, 1999. We’re just really happy being married. Why? Well, I guess we kind of like each other.

It’s a shame that so many married couples try to dissuade young couples from the union. Judging from conversations you hear from “veterans” you’d wonder why anyone would ever get married at all. “Might as well give up your freedom.” “Get to know your friends now, because she’ll make damn sure you’ll never see them again.” “Just don’t lose your independence.”

Newsflash: If you are truly worried about any of these issues, you aren’t prepared for marriage.

What I think my wife and I have been successful at is our ability to work as a team. We know what each of us is bringing to the table and we work it to our advantage. Sure, we have arguments over money or property or cleaning the house, but that’s natural for anyone who lives in close proximity to one another. At the end of each night, we’re still together as a unit. And we like it that way.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years. It’s flown by, and I’ve been happier than hell. Granted, I could use a 65 inch HDTV ready Plasma Television (ahem), but aside from that (and the fact that I could also use a professional grade digital video camera) I think I’m pretty pleased with the relationship. (Could also use a combination DVD/CD/MP3 open region player.) We’re a good match.

One thing I’ve learned (Could use a G4 Mac to help edit those videos) about us is that we’re compatible. (Speaking of compatible, I wouldn’t mind Final Cut Pro for the G4. That would help with non-linear editing.) We gel on everything. Even when we disagree, we know that our combined experiences will get us through it.

I think we have an advantage too. When we started dating, she had a daughter. That put a pretty serious tone over the relationship. I couldn’t very well light-heartedly date a woman with a child. Essentially I would be dating both of them. Any decision I made regarding the relationship would also affect the little one. Their lives depended upon each other.

The point is, before we proceeded to any step in the relationship, we considered the impact. If we had a serious relationship and it didn’t work out, how would that affect the kid? Tough questions. Luckily, I fell pretty hard for both of them. Despite the fact that they both pile things, instead of putting them away. (Whack! OW!)

So what are those secrets that I alluded to? Well, if you want a successful marriage, consider what we do. No matter what sort of day we have, no matter how busy, we still convene to the couch for a little while. We sit close, often holding one another, and consider our day. We talk about our lives. And we talk about the future. But most of all, we hold each other. Sometimes you just need to shut up and let the love wash over you.

Honestly, I’ve never been happier (a custom build home theater would help me found out if I’m at the happiest state of my life). I’ve married a wonderful woman, and am thrilled about the next 80 years.

I look forward to our children growing, our retirement and the day, when I’m sitting in my wheelchair sucking down oxygen, that I get to chase my lovely wife around our retirement community while the nurses yell at me to consider my heart.

I guess they just don’t understand that it’s my heart that I’ll be chasing.