Today is Valentine’s Day and I feel I must share a little something about the love of my life.
I have the best husband on the planet. I know this is true because we’ve been married for almost 21 years and I still think that about him. I’ve loved him from the beginning but after we had two boys and I got to see what kind of dad he is (and he is. the. best. kind.) then I was doubly smitten.
His name is Michael. He doesn’t really mind what anyone calls him, Michael, Mike, Mikey, Robby (his college buddies still call him that sometimes) etc. but I always call him Michael. He’s such a great man. I’ve always joked that if somebody doesn’t like Michael then they’re probably an *% – #!*$.
I didn’t get roses or fancy gifts for Valentine’s Day today but we got rid of the kids we made sure our teens had other arrangements and we’ve had a lovely day-doing chores. I’m serious. I could do anything with him-he’s fun to be around. Over the past years he’s certainly given me some very thoughtful gifts, but the best kind are like what he did for me on Friday. He came home early from his hard work day to make sure I had a sparkling clean car (inside & out) before my girls’ night out event (Cupcakes and Cleavage-I’ll be posting about that soon). He does so many loving & caring things like that for me. But mostly, he puts up with me and I sure appreciate that (have I mentioned that I can be a bit of a handful?).
Like many “old married couples,” we’ve gotten into the BAD habit of agreeing not to get each other gifts. I know, it’s terrible. But after all these years I truly value the daily loving things he does for me just as much-maybe more. Why does he stick around with me? I think he loves me a bunch too (this, of course, makes him even more likeable). I may not be the best Suzy Homemaker, but he knows I value him and I’m forever telling him how cute, smart, sexy, funny, he is. He is all those things to me and more. I made him take that quiz in the back of the book The heart of the five Love Languages (no, this is not a sponsored post) . It turns out he was “Quality Time.” Honestly, I never would have guessed that, but when I really looked back at our marriage I realized that was spot on. I was “Words of Affirmation” and something else, I can’t remember. Too bad ‘cuz he’s not real good at that but he is constantly showing me his love with “Acts of Service” which I’m learning to appreciate now. They didn’t have one titled “She’s a pain in the butt sometimes however I love that kind of thing in my spouse.” If they did, I think his quiz results would have been more towards that.
Please don’t think everything’s always been perfect between us. Oh good heavens, no. I’m afraid if I had to give advice to young marrieds it would be this: You may actually hate each other sometimes but stick it out. Again, I know this sounds shocking to young love birds, but it’s important to note. Of course you have to be friends first. I don’t mean you have to be friends before you fall in love… just lovers who also happen to be friends. That’s pretty important and that’s us.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my Prince.
- Isn’t he a cutie?
He has varied interests
I love my man
p.s. note the lovely 70’s details of our kitchen and our house was built in the 80’s (we’ve made SOME improvements since that pic)!
p.p.s. too bad my hair looks like straw there-not sure what was up with that (see, it’s always about me :-). St. George Marathon 2007
Surfs Up Buttercup 
Very sweet! We don’t get each other anything either. We just like to hang together (yea, even after 28 years). We are going to dinner tonight (cheap dinner), but early so we can watch the Olympics together. Because that is what we consider fun times. It really is.
Love it. Just made my girlfriend that is going through a horrible divorce and has become quite skeptical of men read that post. My husband is just as wonderful, but we don’t register 21 years. You are an inspiration!
“fun times”-dinner & romantic Olympics viewing, I so get that
Stefanie-so flattered you stopped by. So great to meet you last night. Us “locker room” gals gotta stick together 🙂
What a sweet post. I need to be more appreciative of my guy’s “acts of service” too. That is definitely his language 🙂
Ciaran~ thrilled that you stopped by AND took the time to comment, thank you!
the sweetest post ever. ever.
Thank you lana 🙂
wow! i just found your blog through a comment you left on mine.
how sweet. love the valentine post and i can totally relate, seriously, i’ve been married 20 years. we have kids, dogs, cats, good times, hectic times. we’re best friends, we’re crazy in love lovers. sometimes it’s amazing. sometimes, it’s frustrating. but, above all, like you, i’m in love and feel very, very grateful.
kerri
Hi Kerri, I DM’d you on twitter before I read this comment you left. Thanks for that. I love hearing from others who are in the midst of this crazy life and still appreciate their sweetheart.
Cuuuute.
I feel that way too. I think my husband is the best ever. He is just incredible. Swoon worthy really.
“Swoon worthy”-love that!
You and your husband are so clearly in love, it’s inspiring! I’ve been meaning to read this book, actually…my fiance is one of those “Quality Time” types whereas I’m more “Acts of Service.” We’ve been together 5 years, so it’s great to see it working 20+ years down the line!
Thanks for commenting Chelsea! Maybe you two can work out an agreement early in your marriage where your “Quality Time” is often spent doing “Acts of Service” together!!