Fifteen years ago, I met Alex, begrudgingly, in the parking lot of a Dairy Queen that was about halfway for each of us to drive. We had been chatting online for a while, and he was persistent about meeting in person. I wasn’t thrilled about the idea since a couple other online dates hadn’t really worked out so well. I was beginning to think the online dating route wasn’t for me.
I am so glad I decided to go because I couldn’t imagine my life without him now. Sometimes things truly do work out when you least expect it. It warms my heart to see how far we’ve come, how much we have grown as a couple, what we have accomplished, and how much my life changed for the better by having him in my life.
I couldn’t imagine a day where I don’t get to see his smile. It’s one of his best features, and every time I see it, it really does melt my heart. Cliché, I know, but it’s so true. I love watching him do his little happy dance in the kitchen while we fix our dinner plates. I love that he still smacks me on the butt when he walks past me. I can’t imagine a day where I don’t get to hug him whenever I feel like getting a hug. I love hearing him laugh, and how silly we sound when we are being goofy and acting like dorks. I love that he still rests his hand on my knee anytime we drive somewhere, however close or far. I love that he supports what I do and gives me space to grow on my own.
Relationships are tough. I see and hear so many couples having unrealistic expectations in a long-lasting relationship and what they expect their partner to do. Oh, I used to be one of them, because of movies, TV, magazines, and my parents’ seemingly perfect marriage I witnessed while growing up {I never really saw them argue.} You will get hurt. Promises will be broken. They will do things that will make you question your relationship. You will want to punch them in the face from time to time. How you work through all of those trials and tribulations is what will help you grow as a couple, or it will eventually lead to the end of the relationship.
Having both ups and downs in a relationship is normal, and expecting it to be all “up” is setting the relationship up for failure. Relationships will not always be romantic walks on the beach, candle-lit dinners, or falling asleep while snuggled together. You also can’t expect your partner to know you well enough to know what you want or need. COMMUNICATION is key. I cannot stress this enough! I am forever grateful that Alex and I have a relationship in which we can talk about any issues that arise and work through those issues, like civilized adults. I love where we are now after 15 years of growing, and I cannot wait to see what the next 15 hold! There is no one I would rather spend my days with than him. Though I say it often, I just hope he knows how much I love him and am thankful to have him in my life!
