10 Things We Are Doing Right In Our Marriage... And 1 Thing We Aren't

1. We talk sickeningly sweet to each other.  We literally say, "Hi, Handsome!" and "Hi, Beautiful" each time we greet each other on the phone.  We always end with, "I love you".  It's not fake or forced though, it's a habit we developed and it's real.

2. We make time for date night.  It's not near often enough but even if we are at home with the kids we will go watch a movie or TV together.  Even if we are doing different things, we generally try to stay in the same room.

3. We serve each other.  If one of us is thirsty or hungry, we offer to bring something for the other.  We have also learned that doing this even when we are angry is extending an olive branch.  Trust me: it works miracles.

4. We laugh together.  You gotta laugh.

5. We stay in touch.  My husband is gone a lot but we have found ways to talk and sometimes see each other via video even when he is out of the country.  Staying in communication helps us to feel connected.

6. We write love letters.  It's something we started when he was serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.  We promised each other that we would always return to writing letters.  Sometimes they are really short but they keep me going for DAYS.

7. We are committed.  When times get tough we both recognize that it comes down to our commitment to each other.  Neither of us take it lightly.

8.  We are affectionate.  We kiss.  We hold hands.  Yes, we act like we are still dating.  Well, we are... we are just dating while married.

9.  We encourage each other.  My husband believes in me and my dreams and he doesn't have a bigger fan than me.

10. We work as a team.  Though in many ways we are opposite, we compliment each other.  When we join forces to work together on something... we are unstoppable.

Though my husband and I don't always have it all together we have worked hard to really be united.
We both are so passionate about getting this marriage thing right.  We desperately want to be an example for our children.  When they wonder how to have a happy marriage, we pray they will just have to look at us, and do what we do.
In all fairness and honesty, we are not doing everything right.
So I promised to share one thing we are not doing right....
Jack and I discussed what to share.  I still wanted to mix in honor with my honesty.
So I suggested that we say, "Sometimes we go to sleep angry."  What did he suggest?
"Sometimes we go to sleep."  HaHa.  I love him.
So here is one thing I think we still struggle with:

1.  We don't understand our differences.  Seriously.  Though we know that we compliment each other, our differences can make communication interesting... and sometimes loud.
But we are learning through trial and error to empathize with the other... And we have gotten really good at giving apologies & forgiveness.  Oops... Make that 11 things we are doing right.

Bobbi At The Johnson's Journey made a list of her own... you can check it out here