I had a dream last night that made me happy -- relieved -- to wake up. In the dream, I was on vacation with my mom when she got a letter in the mail: a divorce summons from my father. Without so much as contesting the proceedings, my mom gave up her Mrs. for Ms. 12 days later. For some, it might be reality; for me, it was a nightmare.
It's no secret that I get frustrated with my husband; most women probably do, and if they don't admit it, they're either saints or liars. Because I am not the most patient of wives, there are times when my frustration boils over to anger, and sometimes, to resentment.
The "D" word -- as in "divorce" -- has been mentioned in our house before, usually (ok, always) by me. You don't need to tell me it's wrong to use that word as 
a threat; Ladies Home Journal tells me on an almost monthly basis already. The thing is, there's no way I'd ever actually follow through with this threat because, no matter what he might do or not do, say or not say, or how angry I may get at him for any, all or none of the above, I took a vow and I intend to stand by it.
50% of first marriages in this country end in divorce. What's more, statistics show that 36% of women (and 38% of men) who marry between the ages of 20 and 24 -- which DH and I did -- end up divorcing their spouse. You'd think the odds are stacked against us.
I refuse to think so. I am blessed that my parents -- and DH's as well -- are both still married, nearly 80 years together between them. It's why last night's dream nightmare was so terrifying. All of DH's aunts and uncles are still married to their first spouse. Most of mine are as well. Having this kind of beautiful example of the longevity of marriage has been critical to my own relationship. It's shown me that while no marriage or person is perfect (ha!), we have the tools to build a perfect life... whatever "perfect" means to you.
And don't forget to enter my giveaway -- a $50 gift card from Novica.com! This giveaway is open globally (how cool is that?) now through this Saturday, June 25th at 12pm EDT. To enter, leave a comment telling me how you'd spend the $50 on Novica. You can get a second entry by following this blog on Google Friend Connect; just leave a separate comment telling me you do! Good luck!
I often think that word too....actually, I have BEEN through it (infidelity on his part was unacceptable)...but I agree, I am in it this time until the end. Ups and downs be damned, it CAN be done!
Eric's parents went through a nasty divorce, which I think makes him want to work harder. We've had our arguments but never said the D word.
My parents have been married 34 years and have set a great example for us.
I'm with you-- though the odds may be stacked against us (we married when I was 22 and Eric was 21), we took vows and I intend to honor them. The list of things he could do to cause me to file for divorce is short. And I don't think he'd ever do any of them in a million years.
Yes, perfect has lots of room for variation. Marriage is certainly not easy, but I would not trade it for all of the riches in the world.
From the NOVICA site - I would totally get some jewelry like the Beaded wristband bracelets because staying at home now, just putting on lipgloss and a little jewelry makes me feel like a princess. :)
Jeni
DH & I are pretty much against seperating, as the idea of someone substitute in our life is nauseating to both of us.
I'm thrilled to learn of your strong examples to support you two. Marriage brings difficult times, and having this kind of base can only help you succeed!