On Love

Last week the sicilian met someone who, by all acccounts thus far looks to be a keeper. Her glowing-from-within self and endless chatter about this blossoming relationship have me thinking about my own relationship, and about love in general. She asked me how I 'knew' that DH was the one for me...and I had two answers for her. First, within a few minutes of meeting him I felt as though I had known him my whole life. The same is true for him - even now he will recount stories and say, "don't you remember when that happened?" and the thing he is talking about happened long before I came on the scene. Second, within a few weeks of dating I would find myself contemplating the future (something I do a lot) and realising that my life would somehow be lacking if he were not in it. It's almost as though I simply could not bear the idea of living my life without his presence in it - as totally corny as that sounds, THAT was the impact our relationship had on me at the time (and still does.) Much more than loving and adoring him, I respect him. I think he's a great father, a good squingineer, and above all I just think he is a good PERSON. I respect his opinion, admire his intellect, and am often amazed at how far he will go to do the right thing for someone or some greater good. Of course I don't think he is perfect - and believe me, he doesn't think I am either (frankly we can be downright irritating and annoying people) - but overall he and I just fit together well.

Several people over the years have commented about just how well DH and I seem to get along - our relationship is one of those rare gifts. After nearly 9 years of marriage (and 10 years together), we are as lovey-dovey sickening as ever. If work or other things keep us from having some decent cuddle time together, we miss each other. It's not unusual to talk or SMS on the phone 3 or more times a day. DH is significantly older than I am (coincidentally, as is the sicilian's new love) and my only concern about this is his dying before I do. You know how you hear about old people dying, and their otherwise healthy husband/wife dies within a few months? I truly believe those people die of broken hearts, and I truly believe that would be me. Statistically it's what may happen, but the reality of it is I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, leaving him to outlive me by many years. When I contemplated our future together, I thought about that - his age I mean - did I want to be at a healthy 40 or 50 years old, either looking after an invalid old man, or being all alone? The answer then is the same as it is now - I'd gladly have a short, wonderful life with someone I totally adore, then a long, simple life with someone I merely loved. There is a difference.