Originally Published: February 28th, 2021
I’ve moved, shifted a lot in my lifetime.
I’ve met lots of wonderful people along the way.
But, I keep people at a distance.
Nature is where I am most at home.
Surrounded by trees, water, animals and earth.
What I’ve always wanted is one person to be both my best friend and life partner.
One person to feel safe with.
Who I can share my everything with; my opinions, thoughts, dreams and desires.
Someone who doesn’t judge, deny or try to change me.
Someone who doesn’t abandon me, is 100% committed to us, with both feet in the relationship.
I eventually found this person, when I stopped looking.
Michael and I barely knew each other when we married.
We took a leap of faith.
We saw possibility in each other, a great future together; steeped in our belief of what an ideal love could be.
Idealistic and romantic, yes.
When reality set in, scary.
We had to evaluate our varied core beliefs, some of which were not the same.
This wasn’t easy.
We’ve endured many difficult conversations and challenging situations.
Throughout it all, while working on our marriage and ourselves – we’ve slowly become each other’s best friends.
We’re still growing and changing – in ways to enhance our friendship, our marriage, our life.
S, ❤️
55 Rules For Love
Introduction Of My Blog Series On The “55 Rules For Love”
55 Rules For Love – Rule #1 – When It Arrives, Cherish It
55 Rules For Love – Rule #2 – Whatever You Accept, You Will Get
55 Rules For Love – Rule # 5 – Don’t Say Words With The Intent To Hurt
55 Rules For Love – Rule # 6 – Accept And Forgive Easily
55 Rules For Love – Rule #7 – Don’t Be Scared To Disagree, It Is Healthy
55 Rules For Love – Rule #8 – Never Be Too Busy For Each Other
55 Rules For Love – Rule #9 – Do Not Punish
55 Rules For Love – Rule #10 – Accept Honest Criticism, It Is Good For Us
55 Rules For Love – Rule #11 – Admit When You Are Wrong, Quickly
55 Rules For Love – Rule #12 – Support Each Other When The Going Gets Tough
55 Rules For Love – Rule # 13 – Live In The Moment – Be Present
55 Rules For Love – Rule #14 – Leave The Past Where It Belongs
55 Rules For Love – Rule #15 – Leave Drama Out Of It
55 Rules For Love – Rule #16 – Don’t Try To Control
55 Rules For Love – Rule #17 – Allow A Small Amount of Jealousy
55 Rules For Love – Rule #18 – Don’t Use Comparisons
55 Rules For Love – Rule #19 – Celebrate Differences
55 Rules For Love – Rule #20 – Communicate Openly and Honestly
55 Rules For Love – Rule #21 – Listen Very Carefully
55 Rules For Love – Rule #22 – Don’t Judge
55 Rules For Love – Rule # 23 – Don’t Manipulate To Get Results
55 Rules For Love – Rule # 24 – Learn and Grow
55 Rules For Love – Rule #25 – Don’t Try To Change Each Other
55 Rules For Love – Rule #26 – Don’t Condemn Each Other’s Family and Friends
55 Rules For Love – Rule #27 – Lines, Flaws and Imperfections are Beautiful
55 Rules For Love – Rule #28 – Trust Your Instincts, But Don’t Be Paranoid
55 Rules For Love – Rule #30 – Instead of Power, Aim For Balance
55 Rules for Love – Rule #31 – Space Is Needed To Breathe And To Grow
55 Rules for Love – Rule #32 – Accept That You Are Both Unique – Never Compare
55 Rules For Love – Rule #33 – Have Fun, Laugh and Play – A Lot
55 Rules For Love – Rule #34 – Be Each Other’s Best Friend
55 Rules For Love – Rule #35 – Don’t Play Mind Games
55 Rules For Love – Rule #36 – Do Not Carelessly Throw Away Love
55 Rules For Love – Rule #37 – Don’t Waste Energy With Negative Thoughts
55 Rules For Love – Rule #38 – Compliment Often
55 Rules For Love – Rule #39 – Discover Each Other
55 Rules For Love – Rule #40 – Be Attentive And Understand What’s Not Said
55 Rules For Love – Rule #41 – Do At Least One Romantic And Thoughtful Thing Every Day
55 Rules For Love – Rule #42 – Take Picnics And Sleep Under The Stars
55 Rules For Love – Rule #43 – Don’t Just Speak About It, Show Love
55 Rules For Love – Rule #44 – Walk Together, Cook Together, Bathe Together, Read Together
55 Rules For Love – Rule #45 – Do Not Be Afraid, Love Requires Surrender
55 Rules For Love – Rule #46 – Be Loyal And Faithful
55 Rules For Love – Rule #47 – Trust
55 Rules For Love – Rule # 48 – Be Grateful
55 Rules For Love – Rule #49 – Fluidity Is Good, Accept Change
55 Rules For Love – Rule #50 – Don’t Sleep On A Fight
55 Rules For Love – Rule #51 – Don’t Cling To It, Know When To Let Go
55 Rules For Love – Rule #52 – Discover What Turns You Both On And Explore It
55 Rules For Love – Rule #52 – Make Love, But Also F*ck (Regularly)
55 Rules For Love – Rule #54 – Give And Receive Without Measure
55 Rules For Love – Rule #55 – Never Gamble With What You Can’t Afford To Lose
You both look incredibly happy and relaxed together – best friends for life! Good for you!
Thank you, Yvonne!!! Always great to hear from you!!!! 🌻💛🌻
Love to read your blogs and see you too! Have a great week ahead! 🌻💛🌻
Right back atcha, my friend! ☀️☀️☀️
You’re a beautiful couple! This is such a lovely post, Stephanie.
My husband and I married in 2016, and he’s not only my lover but also my best friend. The first 3 years were rough because we had to get used to each other’s ways.
There were a few times we almost didn’t make it. However, we stuck it out, and after about 2019-2020, everything ironed out, and we’re truly happy.
I can’t imagine my life without him.
I wish you and Micheal many more years of happiness.
Thank you Cherie for your beautiful, honest comment.
When we see the value in each other and this value is something we believe in, sticking it out makes the effort so worthwhile.
I, too cannot imagine life without my husband.
I wish you and your husband many years of joy and love. 🌻🌞🌻
You’re most welcome, Stephanie. And, thank you for the well wishes.