Once upon a time, just two weeks into dating, a man said to a woman, "I hope this doesn't sound strange or doesn't scare you off, but I think you're the one I've been praying for my whole life." Then something even crazier happened. The woman replied, "You know, strangely, it doesn't. Actually, I feel the same way about you." And the rest was history. The foolish young couple had a fast and furious romance, hastily planned and had a wedding, got pregnant after one year of marriage, had a baby, bought a house, had a second child a year after that, and a third another few years after that. They … [Read more...]
Evolution of Love: Addendum
I just had to share this. For those of you who followed my 3-part "Evolution of Love" series, you know our marriage had its share of ups and downs and is in large part a survival and renewal story. Well, earlier this evening, DH's heart and mine were deeply moved as our two eldest performed this beautiful voice/piano duet of our wedding (first dance) song, Ella Fitzgerald's "The Very Thought of You", at the school talent show, just days after our wedding anniversary. What a precious reminder of one of the most joyful days of our lives, and a reminder of the fruits of our love and commitment. … [Read more...]
The Evolution of Love, Part 3 – Reality Check: Marriage & that Damn 7-Year Itch
“I never expected us to stay in love. Being ‘in love’ is just an emotion. It comes and goes. But loving someone is a commitment, and if it's real, it lasts. That’s what I expected, and I love you.” Just shy of a year of marriage, hearing these words, however sincere and well-intended, come out of DH’s mouth, I was utterly stupefied, and my aching heart sank to a new low. What? He’d never expected we’d stay in love? Why? When? Wait, what?? There I stood, tear-streaked face and all, having just confessed my profound loneliness and disillusionment, lamenting euphoric dating and honeymoon … [Read more...]
Marriage: A State of the Union Address
A wise girlfriend and I had an interesting talk over lunch the other day, musing over the state of marital affairs in contemporary American society, and even within our own circle of friends. We were sorry to reflect on the increasing number of marriages that have fallen, or are falling, apart in our midst, but empathetic because we understand just how difficult marriage can be/is (none exempted). If you're married and have lived in this world long enough, without blind eyes or a snooty, judging heart, to experience or at least learn from others' experiences, there should be no room, desire … [Read more...]