I love a good love story. I’m always curious about how couples met. When I’m chatting with newly married couples, I sometimes ask what the proposal was like.
Whenever I’m talking to couples who’ve been together for a while, I might ask what they enjoy about marriage or what’s the secret to their longevity. There is just something about love that inspires me. Love is the one thing all of us have in common. We need it.
But that got me thinking: How often do we really get to hear love stories?
In addition to spreading positive images of love and marriage, we should be willing to tell our love story. As in any love story, there are joys as well as challenges. But just the fact that they’re still committed says something about a couple’s story.
I met my husband when I was 17 years old and a senior in high school. I had a part-time job with Crate and Barrel and worked with his friend. I met my now husband at the Crate and Barrel Christmas party. He always says the reason he approached me was because of the couple of beers he had. After that initial meeting, his friend would ask me every time I worked when I would call his friend.
He seemed like a really great guy, even then. But college and relocations would cause us to lose contact. Our re-connection five years later is where our love story really begin. Here’s the thing, just because you’re excited about your relationship doesn’t mean it will be easy.
We would both soon discover that we each had some growing to do. We struggled with our communication, especially in those early years of marriage. I didn’t know how to make requests or properly handle our disagreements. I was the queen of shut down. It didn’t serve us well. I had to admit this wouldn’t work if I didn’t make some changes.
I had to start treating my husband like I loved and wanted him in my life. When I made that decision, things changed. Our second love story began. The one I’m most proud of.
Although, the challenges made us stronger, I’m grateful for where we are today. My husband is my best friend. It may sound cliche, but it’s the truth.
Our love story is now one based on friendship and trust. We have regular date nights. We don’t wait for holidays to celebrate our love for one another. We can disagree and move right along today. It’s real love. We are accepting of one another and thoughtful when it comes to making sure the other’s needs are met. We take great pride in the fact that we have been married for 18 years. And our love story, once we got on the right track, is beginning to get better with time.
As you think about your own love story, which parts do you get excited about? Which areas were you disappointed in, but glad you were able to overcome? Do you remember it when you’re experiencing trying times in your marriage?
Your love story is important. It’s not only how you fell in love, but it’s how you’ve maintained that love. Can you just imagine the impact your story could have on another couple who may be experiencing the same thing but can’t see a way out.
I encourage all couples to share their love story with pride. There is power in your love story, not just for other couples but to also remind you both of why you’re there.
BMWK, What is your love story?