Dating Diaries: Episode 6

Hi Guys!  My apologies regarding the dating diaries hiatus, strep throat really takes it out of you, so no writing was done while I was sick.  This weeks post is a little different, and it’s pretty special.  At this point, you all likely think I am a completely incompetent dater who is incapable of love, and you wouldn’t be wrong to think that, I hear you.  So I figured you should meet the people that taught me to love and why I’m so picky looking for something like they share.

My parents are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary today.  30 FREAKING YEARS PEOPLE.  That’s a big deal in my book, and I think most would agree that in this day and age, being married for that kind of time is quite the accomplishment.  If you ask my dad why it works he’ll say “happy wife, happy life” and being female I really hope he’s onto something there, but my mom would roll her eyes and say “noooo, that’s not true” so I guess there’s a little more to it.  

So why do I think it works?  Mostly love.  Yes, there are absolutely other things that go into it, such as mutual respect, compassion, agreeing to disagree, etc., but I think in this case, the overwhelming love my parents share for one another is what keeps our families ship sailing.  I promise I’m not so naive that I think love is all you need, but my parents favorite song to dance to is 'love shack' so therefore I have to believe that it’s the driving force behind their immense success.  Duh. 

Let me break it down for you.  You know those people that kiss in the grocery store and sit on the same side of the booth?  Those people are my parents.  It’s like the honeymoon phase never ended for them.  When my parents were annoyed with my siblings and I and wanted us to get lost, they’d start kissing to freak us out, and trust me it worked.  It’s gross.  The way I look at my parents relationship is that they defied the odds.  Cheesy, I know.  But my parents are completely different people.  My dad is as vibrant type AAA (not a typo) extrovert who loves to bring people together and works hard to make and maintain personal connections.  Being around others refuels him (this is how I know I am my father’s daughter).  My mom on the other hand, is a sweet soul, who is an incredible listener and relatively quiet (but I guess anyone is quiet compared to my dad).  Her strengths are his weaknesses and vice versa.  They absolutely prove the opposites attract theory to be true and gives me hope that there is a mild mannered human somewhere out there that will be able and willing to deal with my nonsense and pink puff sneakers one day.  *Crosses fingers*

But as I continue this roller coaster ride, that is all things dating, I keep realizing how picky I am.  When you grow up in a home that projects as much love (as sickening as it may be) you can’t help but have high standards.  Sometimes when I’m frustrated or thinking of contacting an ex because I'm sick of dating (ALWAYS TROUBLE) I have to remind myself that being picky isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  While it doesn’t mean I should ignore someone for an immediately noticed flaw, there is nothing wrong with having standards and waiting for someone who meets those or is willing to work to meet those.

So, mom and dad, here's to you.  When you're concerned I'm not married with a kid yet (side note my parents are not these people, they encourage WAITING) look no further than yourselves to blame.  Kidding.  I love you guys, and I appreciate the stellar example you've set for us in that marriage is hard work, but the payoff is greatly influential and worth it.  Happy Anniversary!