Marriage in Dog Years

A year ago at a dinner party with my husband, an older couple inquired as to how many years we had been married. My husband gave what would become his standard response…”100 years,” which was followed by the expected round of laughter with my husband being the one laughing the loudest. This of course was met by my obligatory dinner party smile to distract from my equally obligatory kick under the table. Over the years I have become accustomed, however not necessarily amused, by his cocktail conversations. 

In our earlier years of matrimony this would have led to an argument while heading home in the car. It would not start out as an argument, but a simple statement by me along the lines of, “you know, it’s not very nice of you to say that we’ve been married a 100 years as though your life has been miserable.”  This of course would lead to his saying "oh come on you laughed."  “Yes, I laughed, we were in the company of others and so I didn’t want to cause a scene.” Before long, the conversation would turn heated and the scene I did not wish to cause earlier would unfold in our driveway as I got out of the car slamming the door and alerting the babysitter (and most of the neighbors) that we were home.

We have been married for nearly 26 years now and in truth it doesn’t seem possible so many years have passed and yet it feels like a lifetime. I don’t feel all that much older but I do feel all the more wiser and have come to realize that his 100 years remark would be just about right if we marked anniversaries in the same way we count dog years. In fact, it seems only fitting to me. The idea of committing to live with another person while having to share a bathroom should immediately add a year to your life versus remaining single. Married with children should add a year per offspring, In-laws an automatic two years. Should you be the one who lured away her prized only son…congratulations you get an additional bonus of one year and my empathy.

Based on my new found understanding, my matured sense of humor and my math skills we will soon be celebrating 182 years of marriage! I inquired the calendar of traditional anniversary gifts; you know paper, silver, and gold. The calendar tops out at 60 years so I guess I will have to use my creativity and the fact that I am a Spirited Woman to come up with a suitable anniversary present for my spouse.  I’m thinking a nice pair of shin guards would be appropriate.

- GinaMcNew, www.ItsHipToBeHot.com
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Comments

[Gina McNew]

Stacy...we can celebrate together. : )

[Stacy Shelton]

I have to be over one-hundred. Have to be...

[Gina McNew]

Thank you Linda! Glad it made you LOL. Happy New Year!

[Linda Jay Geldens]

Wonderful, Gina! I laughed out loud! Didn't recognize at first what the picture was, because I haven't seen that many shin guards! Your fellow SW blogger, LindaJay