Happy Marriage

First, let me key you in to what my husband is like.  He was supposed to fill out this questionnaire for my Relief Society, to help my sisters get to know me a little better from his point of view.  However, I feel like you learn more about him than you do me :)  Here it is:

1.  If your wife could have any career, what would she want to be?
A teacher!

2.  How did you meet?
She was a friend of my roommate.

3.  What first make you notice/like your wife?
Her laugh.  'Nuff said.

4.  What is her favorite place she has been?
Red Robin

5.  What is her dream vacation?
Live on a beach in Hawaii for a month

6.  What are some of her interests/hobbies?
Croquet, finger painting

7.  What are some of her talents?
She's really good with people, patient, caring, and understanding.  Also, she's a genius.

8.  What is her favorite dessert?
Fresh cookie a la mode with mint brownie ice cream.

9.  What is her favorite movie?
Disney.  All of them.

10.  What is your favorite thing about your wife?
I like it when she gets sassy and riled up.

There you have it.  He did get some of those things right, others he got almost right.  Overall, it put a smile of my face.

Today in Relief Society, we talked about marriage.  In a young married ward, and even as a single adult, we are often taught about this subject so much that we get tired of it.  Today, though, I was inspired.  Inspired to improve my marriage and share my feelings on what a blessing it has been.

When I was single, I constantly heard of how hard marriage was and how difficult it the transition was.  After nine months of being married to Jackson, I can confidently say that being married has been the best and most fun thing I have ever done.  Life with Jackson has been exponentially better in all avenues.  We have had no arguments other than who is going to do the dishes first.  We have had our faith tested and tried.  We have had tears (some due to hormones, some not).  We have had laughs.  We have nothing but the time of our lives.  Sure, life is hard, but marriage has not been hard, and I can tell you why!  

We communicate.  Instead of keeping feelings, problems, ideas, jokes, fears, etc to ourselves, we share them with each other.  There isn't anything I don't know about Jackson, and if there is he tells me and I do the same with him.  Respectful and nonjudgmental communication is one tool to an easy marriage.

We support one another.  Why do things on your own when you have a constant companion to always be there for you?  And why wouldn't you support the love of your life?  I love supporting Jackson, I am his number one cheerleader!  I love seeing him succeed and accomplish his goals.  I also love coming home to someone who wants me to succeed.  Without supporting one another, marriage would not be easy.

We forgive each other.  Without forgiveness, any marriage is bound to fail!  You have to be forgiving of weaknesses, of mistakes, of pride, of selfishness, of everything!  No one is perfect, therefore you should not expect your companion to be.  Forgiveness is essential to an easy marriage.

We have fun together!  I have burned more calories from laughter since I got married than ever before.  We act like kids, we goof off, we act stupid.  Life and marriage should be fun!  Go on dates every week.  Don't be afraid to be a goober.  Do ANYTHING to get a smile!  Don't let married life get dull; doing the same old thing over and over quickly leads to a boring life, and love should be exciting and fun!  Taking the time to have fun together leads to an easier marriage.

We really love each other.  Obviously, marriage without love will be tough.  Because I love Jackson, I would do anything to make sure he is happy.  I love everything about him; his ambitions (no matter how crazy they are), his smile (it sure sparkles), they way he makes me laugh (all day, every day), his testimony (it's so strong!), his everything!  I'm so glad that I found such a wonderful man to love, it has made me the happiest I have ever been.  Love makes marriage easy.

There are many more elements that a successful and happy marriage need, but these are some that I have especially noticed in mine.  I'm so grateful for Jackson and all that he does for me on a daily basis.  I can not imagine life without him, and I'm excited for the many wonderful years to come!  Here's to marriage :)