I love being married.
It’s so great to find that one special person
you can annoy the rest of your life.
Rita Rudner
After waiting an entire lifetime for Mr. Right, my favorite sister brought together our nearest and dearest to celebrate her first ever (and I’m sure the groom hopes, her ONLY) wedding. I loved that this most memorable family reunion was on the beach and in a casual setting, attendees dressed in white and the groom was good humored about holding props as requested.
As the bride’s Best Woman, I shared with the cozy gathering a few things I’ve learned from having had a head start of 25 years in this marriage business. Many are easier in theory than practice, but, hey, it’s the thought that counts:
Pick you battles and don’t believe that nonsense about never going to bed angry. Things look different in the morning when you’re better rested. But, of course, if you can’t fall sleep, then stay up and fight!
Being right is overrated.
When your spouse’s behavior is open to interpretation, ascribe the higher motive.
Bite your tongue when tempted to nag or complain, look out for the good, count blessing and express gratitude often.
The louder your spouse yells, the quieter and calmer you need to be.
Your definition of sexy will change over time.
Generosity is the key to happiness.
The most important four words in a marriage: I’ll clean up, Honey.
Be the first to apologize. Life is too short to hold grudges.
Accept apologies graciously.
It takes a village to make a marriage work.
Sweep her off her feet and add fireworks, literally.
Never complain about the food when your spouse cooks.
Wisdom from a Chinese proverb: Big talk, big mistake. Small talk, small mistake. No talk, no mistake.
Because love conquers all and bind us no matter what, click on “Leave a Comment” (top left) to share your relationship advice for living happily ever after. My young adults won’t likely have the patience to wait around as long for their own fairytale, so the one strategy I’d pass on to them is to be the kind of spouse their husband/wife will be foolish to leave.
Through the holidays, keep friends and family close, your enemies closer along with receipts of all major gift purchases. Ho Ho Ho!
xoxox
xoxox
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© Sharon Birke
Managing Member, DoubleSmart LLC
201 697 1947
Sharon@PowerfulGoddess.com
Glamour Portraits of the Goddess in Every Woman
Powerful Goddess Portraits 
Dec 28, 2019 @ 22:16:49
Dear Sharon,
I feel very privileged and honored to have been welcomed here on your beautiful blog for all these years. It pleases me to express my thoughts about all the topics and photos wonderfully presented by you. The photos and stories and the way you share some of your life and travels and especially the ones with your family have touched me. This one is an exception being about your favorite sister. I found it even more touching. Sharing her wedding day in photos as her best woman is appropriate and comes as no surprise. Who else but our own talented Powerful Goddess could possibly take or direct the photos of this marvelous occasion with love and thoughtfulness? No one, but you! Thank you so much for sharing!
To the happy couple I’d like to lift my glass in a toast to a long life together of happiness and health.
How can I go before choosing my favorite photo? Number four, two beautiful in every way Sister Goddesses’ face to face beneath the palm trees. Or are they Coconut trees? 😉
Mountain…
Jan 14, 2020 @ 18:13:43
So happy to share our journey with you, Mountain–so grateful for your love through the years!
Best decade ahead!
xoxox