One of my office mates is engaged. As is the wont of grumpy old men everywhere, we are showering her with unwanted (and, in most cases, unwarranted) advice. We can't help ourselves, really.
One of my compatriots made an observation, however, that was something of an epiphany. In regards to making a marriage work, and last, what's the key ingredient?
Looks? Money? Grit and ambition? A sense of humor? Kindness to small animals, children (especially when they are indistinguishable from small animals), and Gaia? The knowledge of extremely naughty things to do that will make you bark if they touch you just.that.way?
Nope.
The secret is finding the person who will put up with your sh*t.
Because most of the rest of that fades into the background if you can't put up with their (or they your) sh*t. Plenty of beautiful rich divorced comedians with small children, pets, and driving Prius' attest to that.
My first wife could only put up with my sh*t for six years. Mind you, I was pretty fine with her sh*t, but mine apparently was large, smelly, and everywhere. And she was probably right, since she remarried in less than a year and is still married to that a$$hole (Sorry, Mike, nothing personal).
My second wife was a disaster that several MSO's (Marriage Signal Officers) tried to get me to accept the wave off from. We both realized after about two years that we were living in a sewer lagoon, but since she needed healthcare and I needed a break from womyn, we strung it along until she found a job with health care benefits (to go with her 18 yo poolboy-with-benefits she was living with) and then I terminated that one after... six years.
Then I met She Who Will Be Obeyed, aka SWWBO, aaka Beth, who had just stopped putting up with someone's sh*t for 18 years (I've been informed that train left the station some time ago, so "past performance is not an indicator of future returns"). A couple of years after that we found ourselves getting married at the courthouse after which I got on an airplane to go off to Kuwait and rattle sabers at the direction of the President.
I've had three 1st anniversaries. And three 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th anniversaries.
I've only had *one* 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th anniversaries. And today, I can add a 14th.
Thanks for putting up with my sh*t babe.
Love ya.
There won't be any "4ths" I assure you.
And for those who I know are just sitting at your keyboard, squirming, hand in the air, going "Me! Me! Call on me!" I look you in the eye and say that it is partly cloudy and in the 50's at Castle Argghhh! and while this will be a memorable anniversary in it's own right, it won't be An Anniversary To Remember...
My practice run went four and small change and the real deal is creeping up on eight. Your "putting up with your/their sh*t" concept is pure gold, love it.
Cheers!
Check your mail for the one I *was* gonna post....
heh
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Then I met Sharon. As things progressed I told her that because of my sibling's luck with life partners I was not the marrying kind but she convinced me that I might just be. It's 28 years and counting now and she hasn't been proven wrong yet.
She has, however, had to put up with massive amounts of fecal matter. It's amazing when you are lucky enough to find someone who can do that.
Congratulations and may you enjoy many more.
The is much to be said for your compatriot's observation. I can say that Mrs Rich in KCK has more than put up with her fair share of Special High Intesity Trainging over the last almost 37 years.
Blessing and Regrads
Rich in KCK
You have a real winner. Beth, well, whatever she got, she is doing an admirable job.
And, I apologize for being a source for some of your sh*t that probably requires extra effort for Beth to tolerate.
May you share many, many more happy anniversaries!
Happy Anniversary to you and your lovely wife. After 10yrs of Colin's sh*t, I've come to love the boy as is. I am tempted to trade him in occasionally but I know it's not worth it as I'll have to reacquint myself my someone else's sh*t. On a side note ... I am sure that you wife is perfect, as I am.
Boss number two knows how to run this auld phart and is very good at it, thank you.
As she restricts my gun purchases somewhat she does let me travel around the west to shoots, so there is that.
Twelve years, and if you ask around, I'm still an ass*ole, 'cept to my bride and my barber....I think.
Not sure about Freddie.
Happy day to you two.
Awwwww.
I think that, like most of the best things, this kind of committment is going out of style. God bless you both.
By the grace of God, I was blessed with my Lovely Bride.
Not having a great amount of insight and being somewhat lazy, I never did know what SWWBO was in reference to when speaking of your obviously wonderful wife. Now mine thinks I should refer to her in the same manner, or at least treated as such. Since we've gotten along so well this long, I shall continue my usual showering of gifts, heaping of praise and in general placing her on a pedestal.
The efforts that you and John (NTA), and BillT and Boq and everyone else that contribute regularly are well appreciated and enjoyed and congratulations again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knp9-GY6fHE
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