This year, on December 26th, my parents will be celebrating their 25th anniversary. They have known each other since middle school and they are college sweet hearts. My parents started out with nothing but each other, but have built an amazing and happy life together.
My parents have set nearly unrealistic expectations for my future marriage, and I couldn't be luckier. They have taught me a lot about relationships.
1. Opposites attract.
My mom is the yin to my dad's yang. They are able to compliment each other in all of the best ways. They bring out the best in each other while being similar enough to avoid butting heads constantly.
2. Marry your best friend.
My parents were friends first and they still are. Marriage is not always going to be beautiful and romantic, but they are still able to laugh with each other through the awkward parts. They know how to be there for each other as friends and partners.
3. Always make decisions as a team.
My parents always present themselves as a united front. When we had to move somewhere for my dad's job, my mom was always on the same page. They made their choices together because they have always been equal partners in their relationship.
4. "The one" will never treat you poorly.
My dad always likes to point out that he never did those "little annoying things" that my past boyfriends have done when they were treating me poorly. He never once disrespected my mom throughout the 25+ years of their relationship. They have shown me that I shouldn't put up with poor treatment, because the right guy wont mistreat me.
5. Never go to bed angry.
My parents always sleep together at the end of the night. I can't say that I've even witnessed them fight more than once or twice, but I can say that neither of them has ever slept on the couch. They never let their issues fester and take on a life of their own.
6. Say "I love you" every day.
To this day, when my dad travels for work he calls my mom before he gets on the plane and after he lands. They say "I love you" every morning and night without fail.
7. Always help each other.
They still take the time to do the little things for each other. Most mornings my dad still brings my mom her first cup of coffee and my mom still irons my dad's shirts. When things get rocky and life gets hard, they pick up the slack for each other.
8. It is truly through sickness and in health.
My parent's marriage has not always been easy. They have both been sick and they have both been there to care for each other. Never once did I hear either of them complain, no matter how rough it got.
9. Never stop having date nights.
My parents still go out to dinner with each other (they even fit it into their "budget" for the year). They know how important it is to get time away and make time for each other.
10. Laugh often.
Even if their jokes are only understood by each other, they are able to laugh with (and even at) each other. It's the only thing that makes a day great sometimes and it inevitably happens every day.
11. Marriage is work.
It takes communication, listening, understanding, and lots of patience. But from what I've seen... it is so so so worth it!
12. Compromise.
My dad loves to watch football and my mom loves to watch the bachelor, but they always watch TV together. Especially when shows like Game of Thrones come on, that they both enjoy.
13. Forever is possible.
Your person is out there and true love is not dead. Even in this day and age, where dating and chivalry seem nonexistent, a happy marriage is still possible. With hard work, dedication, and a lot of love, you could live out the rest of your life with your best friend by your side.
