It’s nine years and I haven’t killed my husband. With the way we annoy each other you would think we would be on murder watch, but actually, we seem to have managed to make our differences work.
We are one of those couples people don’t quite “get”
– what do they have in common? how did they even meet?
He is neatly laced brogues on hardwood floors when I am barefoot in the rain. He is braai vleis and tracks pants when I am sushi and stilettos. But somehow we work.
At our engagement party, my dad said that he knew when I introduced Rob to the family that he would be the one to “tame me”
Because:
A. my dad makes macho jokes because they annoy me
B. Rob fills up the parts of my person which I am lacking.
He is quiet when I am loud and strong when I am weak. He handles paperwork because forms make me anxious. I handle phone calls because despite being a detective and talking to people for a living, he doesn’t like speaking on the phone and making appointments or even ordering at the drive through.
He often cooks and cleans because I am always busy with some side hustle.
Example: I’m on the floor of the bathroom typing while Aidan baths and he is making a delicious soup.
You know the couple in yours mine and ours, the straight-laced sailor and the hippy dippy designer, that’s us (with wayyyyy fewer kids) and here is 5 ways we have managed to not kill each other…
Why I haven’t killed my husband
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We get angry
We annoy each other so much that I have jumped up and down screaming and he has punched a wall. But thing is we get it out and we move on, we don’t hold on to things we let it rip and let it heal
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We give each other space
Rob is a gamer, it helps him unwind (jip fake shooting people helps him deal with seeing real people shot, it’s messed up) I craft and chat to friends. We don’t a damn get what the other sees in their chill activities, but we give each other space, no judgment. Also, all three of us thrive on alone time so it just works.
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We are both 100% in the parenting game
Neither of us has more responsibilities than the other. Nothing is set in stone, but we both know that this kid is both our responsibility so we share everything. We take turns taking off from work for Dr’s visits and sick days. Take turns with activities and do Mommy and me and Daddy and me days which frees the other one up. (This might not be as easy with more kids I’m sure)
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We laugh together
Comedy shows are our favourite date night activity and we love sketch shows on YouTube. We laugh together and quite honestly we also pray together. Even when one of us struggles with faith, as we have with job losses, long distance marriage, and child loss, the other prays.
- We try not to sweat the small things (we try not to)
Marriage is hella annoying, there is someone always in your space. (He is twice my size and takes up, even more, space to be honest.) His shoes are everywhere and then he gets annoyed when my bag is somewhere it shouldn’t be. I always find excuses to not to the dishes (it’s been years, I think he has given up on me) and he apparently never hears Aidan asking for water at 2 am. He hates group activities, I’d love a good games night. We are both really tired by the end of the day and have watched shows we have no interest in just to avoid having to get up to change the channel. The thing is, we know that we aren’t perfect so we try not to let small things mess up the big picture.
I’m always reminded of the movie Why did I get married and the 80 20 rule.This rule states that most people get 80% of what they need from a marriage yet they tend to go after the 20% that someone outside can provide for them because it appears to be more to them when it really isn’t.
So that’s the main reason I haven’t killed my husband, I am not willing to give up 80 for 20.
Also, he has the most stunning eyes so it’s like 85%
What is your “relationship secret”?
I’ve never heard of the 80/20 rule. Thanks for sharing – I feel wiser… Like for real though. Oh my gosh.
Its such a lightbulb thing, RIGHT?
Ey, you and my wife can hook up and not wash dishes together. I love your dynamic. Refreshing to get a glimpse into how you guys operate and allow for individuality as you do. Respect.
hahahaha, she get me!
I loved reading this!
THANK YOU El for giving us single ones a glimpse of the real thing.
Awww that’s so sweet 🙂
You two sound perfect for each other! This post makes me go “awwwwww”
I love that 80 20 thing. 80% I get from my marriage and my 20% is my crafting and fun creative projects.
My hubby is also responsible for paperwork and I make all his appointments (because phonecalls are a nope for him).
Loved this piece, Ella <3
Love that you “get it” being married is more work than I bargained for, but in a good way
Gosh this was such a good read.. I loved the part where you said that my family knew he “tamed me” lol I’m engaged getting married in May and everyone always says that my fiancé finally find the person whom manage to tame him..
I loved the part where you mentioned that you both love your own space and that is so me and my fiancé. We both are introverts and we both can sit in the lounge in our own little corner where I read my book and he plays guitar but just kinda knowing we in close proximity of each other..
We drive each other crazy but he always says “you drive me crazy but if I can do it all over again I would still choose you because I know I wouldnt get another woman like you” suppose it’s like u say of the 80.20 rule..
Lol I had a silent Giggle of the washing of dishes because my fiancé hates washing dishes of which I don’t mind actually cz I am a complete neat freak I much rather do it myself, so suppose works for both of us..
Thanks really enjoyed reading it
Thanks so much for this Bronwyn… Also so nice to hear we aren’t only people who like to be together separately