Today is my parents' 58th wedding anniversary. Congratulations Mom and Dad for making a commitment to each other and living it out in your marriage during an era when society as a whole seems to have less respect for commitment by the day.
Growing up with such a stable family life and living in a unique small town with many of the trappings of a much larger city provided tremendous advantages. I am so blessed to have had that upbringing.
I have started writing posts on lessons learned from my mom and dad individually. On their wedding anniversary, however, here are six personal relationship lessons they have demonstrated as a married couple which have tremendously shaped my views on marriage specifically, and personal relationships in general:
- Not only do opposites attract, opposites make a stronger team. My parents are very different from one another, which strengthened them as a couple. I have some of both their diverse characteristics. While that can frustrate me about myself, I also see where it importantly helps in considering diverse viewpoints.
- Talk about stuff with each other. Discuss what is in front of you, consider your options, and make the best decision you can.
- Don't get caught up in yourself. Be humble and appreciative of everything you receive because it's all a gift.
- You may not have an obligation to do so, but when somebody who is trying hard needs help, provide the help without any expectations about what you're going to get out of it.
- There's always going to be something in the future to provide the gratification you may be seeking today. As a result, waiting until you can afford the gratification won't kill you or even harm you very much at all.
- It's important to tell people you love them - daily.
