16 years of Dating!

July 23, 2009. Yesterday marked 16 years since Brian and I started dating! 

This date means a lot to me. While we had met each other in March 2007 and hung out several times in the two years that followed, it was a random Thursday night at the Wooden Nickel on July 23rd when we finally stuck. 

When reflecting on our 16 years together, I've managed to pinpoint one thing that always stands in the way of improving our relationship. One particular thing happens again and again and again and again. 

It is this: 

The moment I decide to be more loving, Brian does something to piss me off.

Every time. Without fail.

I'll have spent hours mentally prepping. I'll have prayed for God to change me; brainstormed romantic ideas; given lots of thought to how I can better communicate and be more affectionate. I'll make a plan to hug and kiss him when he gets home from work. (That will really shock him.) I'll write down reminders of small things he might love; wear the outfits he thinks look best on me; consider ways to put in more effort. (He will be blown away by this new me.)

But instead - the universe conspiring against me - it never plays out the way I envision.

When the moment of implementation arrives, Brian ruins it.  It could be a critical comment, a cold shoulder, or a passive aggressive remark. He always finds a way!

"You want to know something funny?" I tell him. "Today was the very day I had decided I was going to be a more loving wife."

"But now, you can SCRATCH THAT!" I yell.

Today, in honor of 16 years of dating, I commit myself to 16 more years of being the romantic visionary.

Brian, 

I hope you'll always be my setback. :)