Here's to loving AND liking each other.

Let’s not even lie. There are many days when we don’t like our spouse any more than we like the dishes piled in the sink, or any more than the sixth poopy diaper you’ve changed in one day. The minute they walk in the door, you’re like, no. It’s not a good day, everything is your fault, don’t touch me. Every other word that they say is wrong, they folded the laundry totally incorrectly, they didn’t put the right pair of pants on the baby, and they didn’t give the kids a bath with the right soap. Nope, I don’t like you today, and probably won’t tomorrow. So just leave me alone. How do we get here? Better yet, how do we get out of here? Out of this place where you know you love this person, but liking them most days becomes very hard. My answer? Back to basics. Over exaggerate. Let go. Laugh. Hold hands ALL THE TIME. On the couch, in the kitchen, in church. In the car, at your in-law’s house. At the grocery. Grab that sucker, pretend you like them that day and then you’ll realize you really do. Both need a shower? Take one together. YES, I said that. Just do it for God’s sake. Put the kids to bed at 7:30 instead of 8 and binge on junk food while watching Friday Night Lights (my choice, not his. Sorry, babe). Over exaggerate the good stuff (not the unfolded laundry or unbathed kids). Say I love you all the time, appreciate little things all the time. Hug ten seconds longer than usual. Squeeze that booty tight (even if it’s annoying sometimes). Let go of that mistake he made yesterday, three months ago, eight years ago. Let go of that damn thing and free yourself of that bitterness. Let go of the messy house and unpainted walls. If you’ve ever needed to throw those angry feelings away, do it now. If you’ve ever wanted to be happy, make it a priority. Laugh at everything that is even the least bit funny. Find your faith together; learn to do things the right way, meaning the right way for YOU. Don’t you even fret about what other people think. Your happiness will be contagious. Find people who fuel your love and everything you stand for. Love and love hard. Because in the end, that’s all you’ve got. Share it with someone that’s worth the fight.