In this episode, we're continuing on with some of the things I've learned about being married.
People change. We evolve. I'm certainly not the same person who met my husband decades ago – I'm more confident for one. I'm also more tired! But yes, also carrying lessons from countless experiences that have shaped me. Marriage becomes an extraordinary adventure when we recognize this constant evolution and choose to grow together rather than apart. But is it a choice?
Looking back at proposals I declined in my youth (at 18 and again at 21), I'm grateful for understanding I needed independent experiences before committing to marriage. These decisions, though difficult, ultimately led me to a partnership that could flourish because we both had the emotional maturity to navigate life's complexities together. It just took longer than I had hoped.
What makes relationships last? I've discovered it's about compatibility across multiple dimensions – intellectual stimulation, emotional connection, and physical attraction working in harmony. Not surprisingly, I've noticed my husband shares certain characteristics with my father, highlighting how we're often drawn to the familiar. The difference lies in awareness and how we respond to these patterns.
Marriage involves compromises, certainly. But the reward is profound – not just connection with another person but a deeper understanding of yourself. Through challenges and triumphs shared, we discover aspects of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden. This dance of growth, adaptation, and mutual support creates a partnership that's worth every effort it demands.
Want to continue exploring relationships together? Subscribe to Only Child Diaries, leave a review, and join me next week for more honest conversations about navigating life's most meaningful connections.
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