15 reasons for 15 years.
Nikki and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past Wednesday with a simple dinner together at our favorite spot, the House of Wines. Over the past 15 years, I cannot tell you how many meals we have shared together there. Nor how many bottles of wines that we have drank there! It is a special spot for us. Out on the patio in the summer or in the front window in the winter. We have had so many conversations over a glass of wine about what was happening in our lives, dreams about our future, and everything in between.
As I reflect back on the last 15 years, I compiled a list of 15 reasons that have helped us maintain a happy relationship and why I love Nikki more today than ever. Most of them are pretty simple and seem like common sense, but I guess it is the simple things that really matter.
Nothing comes before our marriage. It is the core of everything in our life.
Be friends first. We really like each other and love to be together.
Never say something you don’t mean. Once something is out there, it is really hard to take it back.
We travel and explore together. This time always brings us closer as we take an adventure together.
We do our best to set a good example of a marriage to our children. We both failed in the past and we want our kids to see and know that marriage is a great thing.
We have many wonderful relationships with other happy couples. Surrounding yourself with positive energy is so important.
We support each other in our businesses. We know that being financially responsible and comfortable eliminates many stressors in life.
We encourage and support each other in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As we get older, this is even more important.
We support each others passions. Everyone needs their own thing. For me, it’s golf and it’s yoga for Nikki. We know these passions are a part of who we are.
We have invested in creating a home that we love. It is our sanctuary. A place where we are both totally comfortable and a place that is welcoming to others.
We spend time apart. I go on my golf trips and Nikki travels with her friends. We always come back more appreciative of each other.
We accept each other for who we are and don’t try to change the other.
We have “date night” at least twice a month. An evening to look forward to and remind us of when we dated.
We take a lot of evening walks. It is amazing how many meaningful conversations we have had just walking around town together.
We maintain a similar schedule and routine. Get up at the same time and go to bed at the same time.
Thanks to our family and friends that have supported our marriage and made our lives better. We are blessed by all of you.
