Valentine

The photo on today's Blatherings is of Flatmouse, one of Jeff's favourite childhood toys. Jeff gave it the name, and isn't quite sure how it became so flat, or how its weird-looking nose got bent.

Whatever flaws Flatmouse might have, it's clear the little guy has been well-loved.

Jeff and I went through the same thing most longterm couples go through. Lots of movie-type romance in the beginning, with flowers and candlelit dinners and romantic letters. When the initial flush of heady romance faded, I was disappointed.

The first fight was a bucket of cold reality in the face and I remember thinking, "I guess it's over, then." But it wasn't. We had more fights, and it still wasn't over.



We'll have been married fifteen years this August. Jeff and I aren't perfect; we've both made mistakes. But we accept each other and love each other, warts and all...a sign of a true friendship, really, and true friendships are a rare thing, not to be passed over lightly.

As for missing the heady flush of early romance with its flowers and romantic letters and candlelit dinners...well, I've realized that it's far easier to write a romantic letter than it is to live up to one. It's all tied in with my desire to live life rather than just talk about it. Jeff and I still have the occasional candlelit dinner but even when we don't, the romance is still there: a different kind of romance, a subtle undercurrent that permeates everything we say and do, providing comfort and strength.

Fact is, I love the guy like crazy and feel incredibly lucky to have him in my life. Here are just a few of the things I love about Jeff.

Happy Valentine's, my love.

Feb/2006 comments: Read Blatherchat | Post in Blatherchat | Livejournal comments