Nine Years

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our nine-year anniversary. I find this nearly impossible to believe, because it seems like I just graduated from high school about six years ago (not 13) and it seems like I just graduated from college and got married about four years ago (not nine). Unfortunately, the calendar keeps me on track, and so it really, truly has been nine years since 2001.

Anyway, we spent the evening being extra kind to each other, holding hands, enjoying each other’s company. and going out to dinner. (Stuffed eggplant anyone? Yes, please. And don’t forget the house-made strawberry-mint lemonade. But I digress.)  I asked the annual, “Are you still glad you married me?” and he replied something along the lines of “Yes, I still don’t believe I deserve you,” and it dawned on me that perhaps the key to a happy marriage (or at least one of them, or at least in our case) is that you both think you got the better end of the deal.

Let’s look at the facts. A few points about my husband:

• He can make or build anything. This includes, but is not limited to, a ring while we were dating, a dog crate that was – at the time – nicer than any piece of furniture I had to my name, copious amounts of furniture in our home, our entire home, etc., etc.
• He can cook, and enjoys it. He admits sometimes he’s a little sad that I’ve taken up food as a hobby because I sort of kicked him out of the kitchen.
• He is tidy. To me, this is a big plus in a mate.
• He tells me I’m pretty on a regular basis. This is important for a woman who recently birthed two children and is carrying around 5 pounds or so in the midsection alone. And I really, truly believe he cares about me, even if he never said so. Except that he does.
• He takes care of our family. If there’s something that needs done, it is taken care of. I don’t have to worry.
• He works hard. Like, harder than any other person I know.
• He’s super smart. Sometimes I don’t like this about him because he’s smarter than me. At least, most of the time. But in general, it’s an asset.

Let’s look at my list:

• I’m moody.
• I have little to no hands-on skills.
• I like to yell when I’m frustrated.
• I get grumpy when I’m hungry or sleepy.
• I don’t like outside work.

I’m sure his list might look a little differently. After all, he does still say he’s glad he married me. But for the life of me I can’t figure out why some days.

Anyway, like I said. We both think we got the better end of the deal.