March 14th was my 6 month anniversary, & while I can’t bill myself as some Big Authority when it comes to making a marriage work, I have no doubt that my husband will be The One forever. Why? Because:

• We have the same foundation. This means our values and priorities are similar – we both value family above all else, but also hold our artistic endeavors, financial stability, and our friendships with high regard.
• Our “timing” was right. We found each other when we were both about a year out of long-term, live-in relationships without a “serious” relationship in between. I think we were both equally cautious about starting something serious again, while also both wanting a lasting relationship.
• We treat each other with respect. There was a time when I was uncomfortable with the fact that my husband & I have never had a fight (we’ve been together for 3 years), but that didn’t last for long. If a relationship feels like a struggle or a battle every day, it’s not The One for you.
• His friends & my friends have become Our Friends, and the same goes for our families. This wasn’t some sacrifice either – I genuienly believe that if I met His Friends first, they would have been My Friends. And I know that even when The Girls invade our apartment Luke doesn’t retreat because he likes the conversation (at least he does before the “What do guys really want in a girl?” and “Do guys really talk about their sex lives to each other?” questions start shooting in his direction).
• We respect our time together & we respect our time apart. This might boil down to trust, but I’m wary of couples that do EVERYTHING together as well as those that do NOTHING together. My hubby and I respect each other’s Girls Nights Out and Boys Nights Out, but always invite each other to every other social occasion.

I think that if you have to boil it down to a feeling besides “love”, it’s “luck”. Luck that you found this spectacular person, luck that he fell for you (of all people!), luck that you get to spend the rest of your life with him…..I feel lucky each and every day that I have with Luke.

If you don’t have that special someone yet – one that you can give an “l” word to (love, luck, or lust!) – then use this time to honor yourself for not being in a relationship that “wastes the pretty.” It takes strength to not get caught in a romance (or marriage!) where you don’t feel lucky each and every day (although you might feel comfortable, or content, or another “c” word – like crazy?). Use this time to celebrate your strength!*

*Or drink cosmopolitans with your girlfriends & flirt. A lot. Either way…..fun!

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