Although I don’t remember the exact day that I pulled the one foot that I had out the door back into my marriage, today, celebrating 24 years of marriage, I can’t remember the last time that it occurred to me that I would ever leave. It seems like I should remember when that change took place as it so profoundly changed the very fabric of what we were doing together, but like most things in life that are daily, we don’t see them as they are happening.
We never had a fairy tale marriage, and in fact anyone who claims to have one is probably either not really present or honest. Our love for each other was uneven and the common issues of attraction and initiation- who wanted who, first and more, plagued our ability to connect for years. The classic, “I am not in the mood” or “I am tired” responses create a cycle of defensive and offensive reactions that is almost like a pre-patterned dance. It’s a scenario that many couples just don’t have enough language to find their way out of.
I have read that the rejecting partner is the more powerful of the two, but having been on both sides, I don’t think its true- both sides make you unable to connect and leave you feeling equally powerless in having the relationship that you really want.
By choosing to be in my marriage with both feet in the door, I had a lot more balance and flexibility that gave me more room and ease in dealing with the issues that kept me distant and disconnected. Although it took us years to get here, sharing the kind of deep intimacy which is the reward for all the communication work that you put into years together is an extraordinary blessing. There is no place in life that is more satisfying, healing and transformative.
photo courtesy of Good Clean Love
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Excellent post. I've been married 45 years and wholly agree and understand.
"By choosing to be in my marriage with both feet in the door, I had a lot more balance and flexibility that gave me more room and ease in dealing with the issues that kept me distant and disconnected. "
- That's the answer right there. Love is not a feeling – it's a choice. And it's inspiring that you're willing to make that choice.
My mom married at the age of 18 (still going to school). (I think) she married out of impulse because my dad at that time was 28 and very successful. It could easily have been a disaster. But they just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary last March.