Love Story

Hello and happy Tuesday!

I promised my little sis Queen Bee Swain a few weeks ago I'd share my perspective on dating, and finding a husband. I don't like to post super long blogs so I'm actually going to write a few posts on what I think works.

1st I wanted to start off talking about my own search in honor of the fact that Husband and I are celebrating our 12 year wedding anniversary this weekend. We are going to a local winery for dinner.  I met husband when I was 24 and just starting off in the "real" world.  A women I worked with, husband was friends with Husband. She had successfully set up 2 other couples that eventually married-I had never been set up before but I took this piece of information as a good sign that I should go for it when asked if she could arrange said set up. Husband was at the tail end of his residency at Wills Eye Hospital-he is an eye surgeon. Being motivated and on time were major criteria as I'd dated the opposite and knew that wouldn't do.

My other rules were- Liked their mother (respect women), Liked animals (kind) and children (good heart).  That was really it. Otherwise I was pretty open. Don't forget not all rules can always apply, but Husband adored his mother, nieces & nephews and planned on getting a dog as soon as he graduated. Check!

My friend explained Husband had messy hair (huh?) and was very out doorsy. No problem, guys like that always like me. I've rocked climbed, lived in Africa, hike, back packed through Europe, was a lift operator in Colorado, ski, water ski, cross country ski, snow shoe, mountain bike, you name it-I can hang.  I prefer spas and Lilly Pulitzer but I can put on a good show, at least during the courting.

We'd both been single for a significant amount of time (me 6 months) and him, I don't really know-but neither of us carried a torch for a past boy/girlfriend.

We had hiccups and growing pains like any other couple (his mother died while we were dating), but by age 25 I was engaged, married at 26, pregnant at 27 and a new mother at 28! I still cherish the first few years with Husband. House hunting, decorating,  making new friends (husband moved me to a small island off Atlantic City and I left the beloved Main Line-something I would only do for him), and building a life together.

So I'll be back with more tomorrow. First thing I'd say is read "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus," by John Gray and "The Rules." They are helpful books. The rest of my advice will be in tomorrows blog.

xoxo

SC