25 on 25 - The Gift of Marriage

While we never know what to give each other at Christmas, there are many gifts that we do give:

• The gift of ourselves 
• The gift of time 
• The gift of listening 
• The gift of consideration 
• The gift of laughter 
• The gift of commitment 
• The gift of music 

After 25 years, you know:

• It's not about you. 
• You can't make another person change. 
• Love is a choice that you make daily. 
• Divorce is not an option. 
• We may go to bed mad, but we won't stay mad. 
• Things have to run their course - this may take a couple of hours or several days but it's going to be all right. 
• Don't keep score; we are not in a competition but a relationship. Keeping score leads to resentment. 
• Going through rough patches makes you and your relationship stronger. 
• You don't need to go looking for trouble. 
• We are constantly changing - I am not the same person I was 25 years ago, neither is he. Though some changes are for the better, secretly I think we all wish we could stay the same as when we first met. 
• Don't ever stop communicating as this is the glue that holds everything together. 
• Communication takes many forms - but keep doing it. 
• Be grateful - take nothing for granted. I'm grateful for the person I am because of marriage. 

Being in a long marriage is a little bit like that nice cup of coffee every morning - I might have it every day, but I still enjoy it. - One of my favorite quotes from the Happy Wives Club by Stephan Gaines.

Just Married!

Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy the gift of marriage if you're married.

PS - I can't find my wedding album. I hope it shows up before my anniversary.