My Valentine!

This is the year that I will cross that line. From here on out, I will have spent more of my life WITH dear hubby than I spent without him. The sheer number of years should be love story enough, but I thought I should share some secrets to a long and happy relationship.

Secret #1: Don’t even attempt to share bedcovers. Big bed. Two sets of smaller sized top sheets. You stack your blankets as you like them. He stacks his blankets as he likes them. Follow this advice and you are at least 1/3 of the way to happily-ever-after.

Secret #2: If the toilet lid issue REALLY bothers you, tell him clearly, politely, and in plain English that it is a critical issue for you and then ask how he would like you to approach reminding him about this issue until keeping the lid down becomes habit for him.

Secret #3: Ditto #2 for ANY OTHER personal habit that really gets under your skin.

Secret #4: Remember that you have personal habits that annoy him, as well. Just love each other, warts and all.

Secret #5: Stop and ask if he really wants your advice, or would just prefer you listen. Ask him to do the same for you. The best listener listens with mouth shut.

Secret #6: Never complain to your girlfriends about the toilet lid or anything else he does that bugs you. That kind of stuff comes back to haunt you. If it’s truly an issue, share it with him and him alone.

Secret #7: Accept that belching and other bodily noises are high humor according to most men. He’s simply not going to remain as polite as he was when you were dating. Grin and get over it.

Secret #8: Never let him assume that you are going to let him do the driving. Surprise him now and then by grabbing the keys and relegating him to the passenger seat.

Secret #9: Don't mother him. One mother is enough for anyone.

Secret #10: Mark every parting with a hug or a kiss. Mark every reunion with at least that much or more. Hold his hand. Smile in his direction. Make sure he knows how much he means to you and never miss the opportunity to say it again.