Do You Know What Today Is?

blackweddingcakecouple

by Aja Dorsey Jackson

Two years ago today my husband and I got married outside on what was probably the hottest October day in recent history. Before we got married I remember reading different articles about the secret to having a happy marriage. Two years and many articles later I’ve managed to put one thing on my list of secrets to a happy marriage.

1) There is no secret.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a strong advocate for getting as much useful guidance as possible when married. Sometimes though, I think that we can approach the road to a happy relationship like we are searching for a genie in a lamp. We want someone to give us a few simple steps that will unlock that secret door to a lifetime of happiness.

The truth is, searching for the secret to a happy marriage is a lot like searching for the secret to weight loss. Half of the time we already know what we need to but we decide not to do it and then spend more time looking for a quick fix than we could have spent not eating that second piece of chocolate cake or starting that unnecessary argument with our spouse.

The path to a happy marriage isn’t the same for everyone. Yes, I read books and articles that claim to know everything about men or women or relationships but they can’t have all of the answers because I know for certain that they don’t know me personally (if they did I would never again see anything about giving a woman candy because I hate candy, unless its Starburst) Information is there for guidance, but I have a hard time believing that I can learn more reading about men in a book than by talking to my own man, who is the only one that I really care about anyway.

So here’s my tip for today: Stop listening to me and my tips today and go enjoy your spouse in real life as I am about to go enjoy mine.

Aja Dorsey Jackson is a freelance writer and marketing consultant in Baltimore, Maryland. She is author of the blog babybumping@blogspot.com and can be reached at ajadorsey@hotmail.com.


About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.



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Comments (15)

  1. Tara Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    THIS --- > "Searching for the secret to a happy marriage is a lot like searching for the secret to weight loss. Half of the time we already know what we need to but we decide not to do it and then spend more time looking for a quick fix than we could have spent not eating that second piece of chocolate cake or starting that unnecessary argument with our spouse." ...is about to get stitched on a pillow! Great post! (Totally killed my upcoming Thursday post which is the opposite theme almost...lol)
  2. MissJay Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Happy Anniversary!!!
  3. King James Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    wonderful... congrats.. how are yall celebrating?
  4. Ronnie Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Happy Anniversary!!!
  5. Harriet Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Happy anniversary! My 5th is on Saturday! I guess my Friday story will have to change... LOL Seriously, this is the business! I tell folks all the time that every marriage has its own heartbeat. What works for my marriage may not work for others. There are common themes, but the DNA is specific to one couple at a time. Great piece, and again, congrats on the anniversary! May you be newlyweds forever more!
  6. Aja Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Thanks everyone! We don't have any real plans. Just to enjoy the day.
  7. Skip Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Wow, thats great advice!
  8. Ronnie Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    @Harriet - Happy Anniversary!!
  9. lynn Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Happy Anniversary to both of you ladies!
  10. Whyte23 Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.-Mignon McLaughlin Love is what you've been through with somebody.-James Thurber Just to start out with a fellow.... Happy Anniversary....to both of you ladies as well...may you have many years to come. THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.......Priceless! You have to "make" it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression "the labor of love." Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it takes WISDOM. You have to know what to do to make your marriage work. With encouragement, forgiveness, mutual respect and commitment....and of course Just to enjoy the day.....TOGETHER. Much Love to All. Whyte23
  11. Anna Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    Happy Anniversary. You gave us all a gift on your anniversary. "So here’s my tip for today: Stop listening to me and my tips today and go enjoy your spouse in real life as I am about to go enjoy mine. ~~~~~` I will take your advice. It's not about going out but staying in sometimes. Enjoy your new husband and the day that the two of you said " I DO".
  12. acoustic bohemian Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    DO YOU you know what today is....It's our Anniversary....our Anniversary!! Congrats to you Our 18th is later this month ( : Same here, I love Starbursts ...and Jolly Ranchers, and don't want Roses for Valentines Day they're too expensive. LOL @ Whyte23...now how true is that!
  13. Whyte23 Wednesday - 07 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    @acoustic bohemian...that sounds just like what the doctor order...I love it! one more back at ya: No man is truly married until he understands every word his wife is NOT saying. PS: Happy Anniversary to you and your soul-mate...May you have many more for YEARS to come.
  14. Harriet Thursday - 08 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    thanks for the anniversary wishes, everybody! you never let me down, aja! keep it up, girl!
  15. acoustic bohemian Thursday - 08 / 10 / 2009 Reply
    @Whyte, thanks so much! ( :

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