We Both Agree to Share the Bill

Nurturing a relationship takes a long conscious effort. In fact, it goes beyond the butterflies in the stomach and flutters of the heart. It extends beyond words of love and affirmation and it transcends beyond momentary sparks, passionate kisses borne from romance, and overdramatic promises. Truth to be told, maintaining a relationship means working hard to always choose the other person every day - and this is extremely difficult.

How could we possibly choose someone who is flawed?

The thing is that there are bits and pieces of us that are broken. There is no way we can find a superglue that could magically put these broken pieces back together as if no storm had wreaked havoc at all! We've just got to meet that person who sees our broken parts and loves us, not despite it, but because of it. This is just one side of the whole picture. The other half tells us to reciprocate - to also see that person's flaws and love him all the same.

On one hand, seeing and whole-heartedly accepting each other is a beautiful thing. On the other hand, it is incomplete because nurturing a relationship doesn't only mean accepting but also working hard to grow as separate beings; each person having differences, passions in life, beliefs; and growing separately doesn't mean drifting apart from each other but rather, the relationship must be some sort of a true-north that tells these two people to come back to each other's arms. The relationship must provide a space where each individual can grow and unconditional support is provided in that space.

Our relationship is a work in progress. Both of us are working hard to become better individuals. Our relationship is nurtured by coming to terms with our differences, aligning our values, supporting each other, sharing our dreams with each other - even the nonsensical ones, and mutually agreeing to share the bill when we eat out (except on some other special occasions). It is the product of both of our hard work and it is an effect of our acceptance of each other. It is also a testament to the support of our families and friends and the prayers of our loved ones or even strangers. Strong relationships aren't just picked from trees (and don't grow on one). Rather, it is nurtured wholeheartedly, well taken care of, and genuinely learned from.

And one last thing, prayer works lots of wonders. Lord God, thank You for Your divine providence. We are both grateful for the countless blessings - of wisdom, understanding, patience, and love. May our relationship continue to bloom and may we both become better people each day.

My love, Schatz, Alex - baho man ka'g utot, pero gihigugma gihapon tika. Maldita man ko og #drama, pero kabalo ko gihigugma pod ko nimo. Let's keep it that way and let's choose to always come back to each other.

Love,
Mary Jedde