Bring on the Bridal Showers!

Bridal showers.  Let's see.  How do I put this nicely?  

I don't enjoy them.  

I do not like playing the little games, I don't enjoy watching the bride open her presents- because she is usually a young girl, who feels very uncomfortable being the center of attention, having no idea what to say when she opens another electric can opener.  I feel her pain.  It takes all of the enjoyment out of it for me.  

But what I dislike most, is when the advice book is sent around.  "Write down some advice you have about marriage for the new bride and groom."  You know those?

I panic when the book gets to me.  I never know what to say.  I read what everyone else has said, and it is always something perfect, and I panic.  So, I always end up saying something dumb like-  "Always feed him before giving him bad news."  Or, "Don't forget why it was that you married each other."  What?  Seriously? 

Today as I was sitting in my back yard, eating those amazing grapes, something inspirational and new came to me!  And I don't even have a bridal shower coming up in the near future.  So, I'll give my advice to you, my blog friends, instead.  Here goes....

Never stop dating each other.  

That's it.  It's so simple, but so true.

You know how it is when you are dating.  You say sweet things to each other, think of each other first, always try to look your best, think of fun things to do together, and you don't fart or burp in each other's presence.  You flirt, you smile, you tease just a bit.  All of it is good.  And most of it is gone by the time you reach your first anniversary or two.   

Some people manage to keep the magic alive long after the first anniversary, but more often than not, couples forget.  They get too comfortable with each other.  I have seen some husbands treat their buddies better than their wives.  

So that's my advice for what it's worth.  Never stop dating each other.  Do cute little things for your significant other like you did when you were dating.  Put their needs first as often as you can.  Show some enthusiasm when they call, compliment them on how they look or smell.  Flirt a bit.

That's my advice from one who has been married for 17 years- and hasn't been so good at remembering to do this.  But I am going to try to do better and take my own advice.

Now go and take your sweetie on a date!  Happy Weekend!