The Recipe for a Perfect Husband

We are fast approaching that time in our relationship when we have been together for longer than we have been apart. I cannot remember life without Jim and today we celebrate 12 years of wedded marital bliss. Sixteen years together, 12 years married, five homes, four cars, two kids, no pets. We mostly have this thing figured out.

That prom life. Yes, we went to prom together. 

Engagement at Navy Pier

Wedding Day!

In reflecting on these years, I thought I’d share a bit about what makes the perfect husband and how Jim has managed to survive me all these years.

1. Never Stop Dancing.

We may not have the best moves, we may not always know the song, but as long as you keep moving, then you really can’t go wrong. He is my forever dance partner, the yin to my yang, and the guy who knows his way around a good beat (mostly).

2. Showcase the Crazy

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. He’s never afraid to make a fool of himself for me. Even if it means dressing up in costume, acting like a nut, or joining in on my crazy schemes.

3. He loves your family immensely.

So much so that he’ll wear a purple shirt and take your niece to a Justin Bieber concert solo. He shows his true love and adoration by screaming with the rest of the girls – just like a true belieber. He loves your niece and nephews fiercely and your family ferociously.

4. He knows his way around a grill.

Even if perfection sometimes takes ten hours. The food is delicious and it means you won’t always have to do the cooking.

5. He goes the extra mile.

Waking up early with his running shoes on, he’s out the door and ready to race across Magic Kingdom (even breaking a few laws along the way) to get the coveted first spots to meet Anna and Elsa.

6. He appreciates a little rivalry. 

A little healthy spouse rivalry never hurt anyone. Especially when your team is winning and his is….not. He handles it with grace and class.

7. He supports your family – literally and figuratively

I never have to wonder if he’s in my corner. When this past year made my life even crazier, he was my calm. When I feel like I don’t have another hour in my day, he helps to make that happen – either through household help, taking care of the kids, or grabbing dinner. He loves our kids and all they enjoy – including a rousing trek for PokemonGo after a long day at the office.

So he may not be perfect, but he is imperfectly perfect for me. Finding the love of your life doesn’t have to be difficult, you just have to be willing to see past the flaws and see how much one person can add to your life. After 12 years and sixteen together, I couldn’t imagine doing life with any other person. He pushes me to be a better person and supports me on the days I really can’t do it all (which is usually every day).

I love you, James. Happy Anniversary!