It is very hard to write about my marriage. To express the joys and be honest about the work it requires while also being fair, accurate, and kind to all parties involved (Ahem, Greg.)
I suspect that anyone who is in a long term relationship understands. There are so many nuances to a marriage, it can be impossible to describe. I never want to give off the idea that our marriage is perfect. It is happy, yes, but it certainly has its flaws. I never want to act like it's easy, but at the same time I don't want to give the impression that it's the hardest damn thing I've ever done and that I'm miserable. I'm not. I'm happy. Very very very happy. But it's a happiness that has come because of work, sacrifice, and thoughtfulness on both parts. It is not happiness that has come without tears or without doubts or without struggle.
In January I wrote this post on the truth about our first year of marriage. I shared with you many of the conflicts and struggles that we have in our marriage and told you how we have overcome them and worked (and continue to work around) our many differences. I told you that it isn't always easy, but it is worth it.
I had one unmarried friend from high school who commented on my facebook post and said something along the lines of it, "Thanks for sharing this Bonnie, but I would love to know why it's worth it. What about marriage makes it worth fighting through all of that?"
I have thought about that a lot since. It seems our society is increasingly devaluing marriage. Television sitcoms of married people are often about naggy couples and annoying children while the single life is portrayed as glamorous and exciting. Our culture pushes the message that marriage isn't valuable, that it's a lot of work, and that in the end, it really isn't "worth it." With more than 50% of marriages today ending in divorces, and many of the "working" marriages seemingly unhappy, it makes sense why many people are less enthused about committing to marriage.
So today, in celebration of our anniversary and the three best years of my life, I want to answer my friend's question. Because if anyone asked me if marriage is worth it I would answer in a heartbeat, "Yes!"
WHY MARRIAGE IS "WORTH IT"
1. Somebody warms up the bed for you.
2. You don't have to stress about money alone anymore.
3. You are always somebody's first priority- the knowledge that you come before everything and everyone.
4. The thought of moving or changing jobs or any big life changes aren't nearly as scary when you're doing it with someone instead of alone.
5. You can binge on your favorite shows on Netflix together.
6. There will never be anyone with whom you share so many inside jokes.
7. Sex.
8. Summer nights where you play volleyball together for three hours and then come home and take a hot shower and put on your sweats and eat shaved ice while cuddling on the couch and watching reruns of How I Met Your Mother.
9. Because you need a boy to vent all of your Bachelor rantings to even though he couldn't care less about the show.
10. No one thinks your dog is as cute or as funny as he does.
11. Hearing a song on the radio and thinking of him.
12. Being told every day that you are loved.
13. Sunday morning wrestling.
14. Giggling so hard late at night in bed that your neighbors above you slam on the floor so you will shut up and go to sleep.
15. Having someone to go on all your vacations with you.
16. Sitting on the same side of the booth in restaurants.
17. Waiting until you can hear your spouse coming home so you can hide behind the door and scare the living crap out of him. At least once a week.
18. Somebody helps you with laundry now.
19. Extra presents on Christmas and Birthdays.
20. You can 100% be yourself around your spouse and you don't have to worry that he won't like you or judge you or think you're annoying.
21. When you're sick you have someone to make you soup and cuddle you on the couch.
22. Back massages.
23. Having someone to say your prayers with at night.
24. Always having somebody there to talk to when you are frustrated/disappointed/depressed/stressed.
25. Coming home and being surprised by a clean house.
26. Getting dolled up for dates and hearing him say how pretty you look.
27. Flowers for Valentine's Day and anniversaries.
28. Climbing on the roof every fourth of July to watch the fireworks.
29. Knowing that someone is making sacrifices for you and putting you first.
30. Holding hands on walks with the dog.
31. The security of planning a trip in November and knowing that your travel buddy will still be around in July when you go on the trip.
32. Planning a family together.
33. Making fun of corny tv together.
34. You get to wear a purty ring all the time.
35. Having someone to talk about all of your plans and goals for the future.
36. Knowing there is someone out there who will drop everything right that second to be there for you if need it.
37. Seeing a tiny human squirm around in your belly and knowing that you made that together.
38. Knowing there is someone there who will hold you until you're done crying.
39. Having something to look forward to every weekend.
40. Spooning in the mornings.
41. Having someone say to you "Drive Safe" and knowing that they mean it.
42. Taxes are easier and you get more money back when you're married.
43. Life's disappointments don't seem so grave with a partner by your side.
44. He is strong when you are weak and you are strong when he is weak. You have someone to strengthen you and buoy you up when you need it.
45. Couples Halloween costumes.
46. Having someone around who is just as protective of you as your dad was.
47. Having one person who knows exactly how bat s@$% crazy you are and loving you anyway.
48. Buying a candy bar at the gas station because you know he likes it.
49. You always have someone to share a tube with at water parks.
50. When you wake up from a bad dream you feel safe seeing your spouse lying in bed next to you.
51. Always having a tennis partner.
52. Deciding spur of the moment to go to a Saturday matinee.
53. Having someone to support you in your big, crazy dreams.
54. Loving someone with every single thing in you and knowing that he feels the exact same way about you.
Yes... those are just a few of the reasons why marriage is "worth it..." (I meant to just do 50 and then got a little carried away. Oops!)
Happy three years, Bubs! Can't wait for many, many more. XOXOXO.
:) This makes me happy!
ReplyDelete:) This makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteHappy 3 years to you both!!
ReplyDelete#46 on this list makes me smile the most. :)
About #10: just wait til you have children...so sweet to share that love for them!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, and totally true. When you find "the one" everything just clicks into place, and even on the worst days it is still worth it.
ReplyDeleteAs a blogger it is extremely hard to walk the fine line between wanting to not to appear perfect and not wanting to put too much out there. I hope you come back a year from now and add to this list because you will have a bunch of stuff to take off and lots to add.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very sweet list :) Marriage is a difficult thing - that's why there's so many failures... It's simply not easy trying to make it work all the time, it's remembering the WHY you got married in the first place that helps as well :)
ReplyDeleteI love this!a nod would add: having someone to scratch that one spot on your back you can never reach without flailing around like a fish out of water. Instead you just tell, "scratch!" and then direct them with left, right, up, down, etc. definite win.
ReplyDeleteToo cute - yay for 3 years! I have a feeling this next one is going to hit it out of the ballpark :) The divorce statistic in the US is crazzyyyyy but I remember reading somewhere about young people have the mentality of throwing it out if it's broken and not committing to fixing it. We need to learn how to fix it and not resort to the garbage can every time something doesn't work out!
ReplyDeleteThese aro amazing. Makes me even more anxious to get engaged myself!!! (My bf and my 5 year dating anni is this Saturday and we are talking ringsssss!!!)
ReplyDeleteThis is so adorable, simple and remind me why marriage is worth it. <3
ReplyDeleteLove this list, except the tax thing. Especially having kids, we got more money back NOT being married. Our tax lady actually said she's had people get divorced but stay together so they get more money back. American society at it's finest, haha.
ReplyDeleteI love this and got chills! I can't wait to marry Andrew!!!! I'm absolutely linking to this post today on my Wedding Wednesday linkup!!! Thank you for sharing this! :)
ReplyDeleteAww, you were an absolutely gorgeous bride!
ReplyDeletexx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
I love this and I totally agree with all of them. Being married is the best. The thing I like most is that feeling of security you constantly have.
ReplyDeleteHi there — new reader here! Had to drop down here to say thanks so much for sharing such an honest and lovely post :)
ReplyDeleteVery lovely post. Some of your things made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteWe've been married for 5 years and yes, that pretty much sums it up.
Bonnie, your posts about your marriage are some of my favorites. I'm getting married in May and ever since I've found your blog, I've felt like I look up to you. I love hearing your honest and vulnerable posts about what your marriage is like or has gone through. Thanks so much. <3
ReplyDeleteThis list made me smile!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this post and cannot wait to be married in 7 months!!
ReplyDeleteNot going to lie, I teared up reading the list, because its all so true, 2 years and still loving being married. Marriage is worth it when you're with the one you love!!!
ReplyDeleteI get really irritated with naggy wives on TV because I see it SO much now that I find myself doing it too! Can't there just be more stable, loving, marriages portrayed anymore? Ones where arguments are approached with love, compassion and respect rather than witty quips and degrading comments toward spouses? Granted there are a few, but not many!
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly beautiful! And every single one of these are so true...marriage is so worth it!
ReplyDeleteToo sweet! thanks for the good reminder about why marriage is worth it! My 4 year anniversary is next week. I might be making a list like this!
ReplyDeleteLove #17. I once came home from school early and my husband was taking out the trash. I knew he wouldn't see my car as he cam back so I relocked the door and hid in our hallway. I scared him so bad, but it was the funniest thing ever! I always scare him when I get the chance :)
ReplyDeleteAwww! Love these! :) Happy anniversary you two!
ReplyDeleteAlso, every time I see a photo of your temple I can't get over just how massive it is! It must be so amazingly overwhelming to see in person!
So sweet! Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteLove number 46 Bon! Happy anniversary. :)
ReplyDeleteguesswhathollie.blogspot.co.uk
Marriage is so worth it. I love all the reasons!!
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteBig smiles over here.
ReplyDeleteThis was amazing! Thank you for helping us all remember to keep the TRULY important things in perspective! We are just embarking on planning our wedding for 2015 and I know we are bound to get carried away with the insignificant details (ahem, that's not the font I want on the invites). Hopefully I remember this when that time comes :)
ReplyDeleteThis warms my heart! I've only been married for 1-1/2 but goodness it's sweet posts like this that remind me of all the things I love about my husband! You're so cute!
ReplyDelete