Publisher's Notes
Marriage Quantum Leap
Happy February—the month of love! Last night, I got a text message from my sister-in-law, Teresa Albracht. My niece, Amelia, is engaged! Congratulations, Amelia and Matt! The whole family is so excited! I don’t know about you, but when a couple announces that they will be getting married, it touches my heart. I have always had this feeling, but it has increased since I was married to my husband, Manny, in August of last year.
In this day and age, many people forego the wedding vow path. That, of course, is everyone’s personal decision. The reason that the commitment to marriage touches my heart is that when two people make the decision to marry, to “make it legal,” as it were—well, to me, it just feels different.
I have had many people ask me if marriage has changed my relationship with Manny. I always answer with a resounding yes. Manny and I got married seven years to the day after we met. We had a lot of history before we tied the knot.
For years, Manny has been saying that, if we get married, “it will get better.” For a long time, I admit, I didn’t believe him. We loved one another…how could it get better? Now, I do believe him. Being married has brought a different energy to our relationship. I feel we are more patient with one another. Over the years, we have always had a lot of fun and laughter with one another. Now, it is just…better.
The biggest difference I feel is the quantum leap of growth in our relationship that we are experiencing since we got married. My husband is a man who is very big on learning and growing. When we first met, I was very stubborn. I liked myself just the way I was, thank you very much! Since our marriage, we are both working with one another to get better…as a couple and also as individuals.
Deciding to commit ourselves to one person “until death do us part” is not to be taken lightly. I have watched Amelia and Matt with one another. They seem to “get it.” There have been thousands of books written on how to have a healthy marriage. I have learned from Manny that the keys to a healthy marriage are: trust one another, listen without interrupting or talking over each other, appreciate what you do for each other, and respect your partner. Lastly: ALWAYS have your partner’s back. That is a daily goal that we have. Sometimes we stumble, but we do not fall.
Married life is great! Once again, congrats to Amelia and Matt, and happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Positive Thought of the Month
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”—Lao Tzu
Janet Van deWalle,
Founder/
National Publisher
