Lessons Learned From 40 Years of Marriage
Hello there! Are you ready to hear some valuable lessons from someone who’s been married for 40 years? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to share some insights that could change the way you approach your relationships.
Early Marriage and Parenthood
Advantages of Getting Married Early:
When my husband and I got married in our early 20s, we were eager to start a life together. One of the biggest advantages of getting married young was that we had plenty of time to navigate the ups and downs of our relationship without having to worry about ticking biological clocks.
We also had the energy to keep up with our young children and could enjoy activities like tiffin-packing and playtime without feeling exhausted.
Disadvantages of Parenthood:
However, being young parents definitely had its challenges.
We were both still figuring out our careers, while also trying to balance childcare and household responsibilities. It can be difficult to find time for yourself and your relationship when you’re constantly being pulled in different directions.
Life in the Military World
Nomadic Life:
My husband was in the military for several years, which meant that we were constantly on the move. We had to get used to packing up our lives every few years and starting over in a new city.
While this lifestyle certainly had its perks (we got to see the country! ), it also meant that we had to be adaptable and flexible. We had to find ways to make new friends and build a support system in every new place we landed in.
Disconnect From Loved Ones:
Another disadvantage of being in the military was that we were often far away from our family and friends. This was before the age of satellites and the internet, so staying in touch required a lot more effort.
There were times when we felt disconnected from the people we loved, but we learned to rely on each other during those times.
Give and Take
Career Adjustments:
One of the most important lessons we learned over the years was the importance of give and take in a relationship. We both had to make adjustments for each other’s careers at different points in our lives.
For example, when my husband was deployed, I had to step up as the primary caregiver for our children. When I went back to school to finish my degree, he took on more household responsibilities.
It’s all about teamwork and supporting each other through the ups and downs.
Feminism:
As feminists, we also believe in equality in our relationship.
This means splitting household chores, supporting each other’s career ambitions, and making major decisions together as a team.
Myriad Shades of Love
Life’s Ups and Downs:
Lastly, we’ve experienced the many shades of love over the years. From coochie-cooing over our newborn son to disciplining him during his teenage years, we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs.
We’ve weathered illnesses, promotions, hugs, tears, and storms together. It’s all part of embracing the complexities of life and growing closer as a result.
Memories to Cherish
Small Mementos:
One of the best things about being married for so long is the collection of memories we’ve built up over the years. These memories don’t have to be grand or elaborate – sometimes it’s the small mementos that mean the most.
I still remember the spilled curry and oily stains on my husband’s uniform from when he came home from work and hugged me without changing. It’s those little moments that make a relationship special.
Closeness in Marriage:
Another thing that has helped us build intimacy in our marriage is sharing a bed and room. Even when we’ve had work or family stresses, the simple act of being physically close has helped us feel more connected.
We often joke that we have to sleep in a single sheet in order to feel each other’s sweaty limbs.
Beautiful Memories:
Finally, we’ve created some truly beautiful memories over the years.
From the early days and weeks after our son was born to the pets we’ve loved and lost, each memory is precious. We’ve met wonderful people and been introduced to delicious food and new experiences.
These are the things that make life worth living. In conclusion, marriage is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to grow together.
By embracing the challenges and celebrating the joys, we’ve learned valuable lessons that have helped us build a strong and loving relationship. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for decades, I hope these insights have inspired you to approach your relationship with openness and joy.
Life in the Teatime of Our Lives
Welcome back! Today, we’re going to talk about the teatime of our lives. It’s the stage in life when we begin to reflect on the past, face our mortality, and hope for many more years of companionship and joy with our partners.
Overcoming Flaws and Negatives
One of the things that we’ve learned in our many years of marriage is the importance of confronting our own faults and flaws. It’s not always easy to face our irritants and temperaments head-on, but doing so can help us avoid regret later on.
For example, my husband has always been a bit of a neat freak. He can’t stand clutter or mess, which can be frustrating for me at times.
However, over the years we’ve learned to find a balance. I’ve come to understand that his need for a clean and organized home comes from a place of anxiety and stress, and he’s learned to be more patient with my tendency to leave things lying around.
It’s all about understanding each other’s quirks and coming up with solutions that work for both partners. We’ve also learned that it’s important to acknowledge when we’ve made mistakes and to apologize when needed.
It’s not always easy to admit fault, but doing so can help build trust and strengthen our relationship.
Facing Old Age and Mortality
One of the realities of the teatime of our lives is the fact that we’re no longer young and invincible. Illness and old age can be scary and daunting, but they’re also a natural part of life.
We’ve faced our fair share of health challenges over the years, and we’ve learned that the key is to focus on the present moment and enjoy each other’s company as much as possible. As we’ve aged, we’ve also come to realize the true importance of love and companionship.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stresses of life, but at the end of the day, having someone by your side who loves and supports you is what really matters. One thing that we’ve made a point to do is to prioritize quality time together.
Whether it’s taking walks, watching our favorite movies, or simply sitting and talking over a cup of tea, we make sure to carve out time for each other every day. It’s these moments that make life truly rich and fulfilling.
Hoping for More Years of Marriage
One of our biggest hopes for the teatime of our lives is that we’ll have many more years of marriage to enjoy together. We often joke that we’re aiming for at least 80 years of marriage – and who knows, maybe we’ll reach that goal!
But in order to make the most of our remaining years together, we’ve learned to banish any negativity and focus on enjoying each other’s presence.
It’s easy to get bogged down by worries about the future or regrets about the past, but when we focus on the present moment and the love that we share, all those worries fade away. At the end of the day, the teatime of our lives is a time to reflect on the past, be present in the moment, and hope for the future.
By confronting our faults, acknowledging our mortality, and focusing on each other, we’ve learned to make the most of this precious time. We hope that these insights will inspire you to do the same in your own life.
In conclusion, the lessons we’ve learned from 40 years of marriage have taught us the importance of give and take, adapting to change, and cherishing the myriad shades of love that life brings. Small mementos, closeness in marriage, and beautiful memories are what make life worth living.
As we enter the teatime of our lives, we’ve also come to realize the importance of facing our flaws and mortality head-on and prioritizing the present moment to enjoy our remaining years together. By embracing these lessons, we can build strong and lasting relationships with our partners, and live our lives with joy and fulfillment.
