Embracing the Unconventional!
“Our 40-Year Journey from “Shacking Up” to Everlasting Love”
Celebrating 40 years of marriage this year has prompted me to reflect on the unconventional path that brought us together—the two-year stint of "shacking up" in the 80s. Yes, that's what we called it back then, and it was more than just spending nights together; it was a journey that morphed into living together.
In those days, there was no talk about "trial periods." However, looking back, I can't help but see it as a trial period of sorts, although it was an organic progression driven by economic necessity. In my heart, marriage was the unspoken desire, weaving its way through our cohabitation.
Fortunately, we did take that leap into matrimony, but the question lingers—did the trial period make a difference? It's a ponderous thought 🤷🏽♀️. Perhaps it did, in the background shaping the foundation of what would become a lifelong commitment.
Our journey, though, wasn't absent of challenges. We've weathered storms, walked in ice and snow, and stood on the verge of divorce. So, when people ask about our marriage's duration, we proudly declare 40 years. However, the truth is, that we've endured 42 years together—an extra layer of commitment and resilience that goes beyond the marriage certificate.
The unconventional start to our union, with its rocky moments and uncharted territories, has become an integral part of our narrative. Every twist and turn, every challenge faced during those initial two years, is woven into our enduring love story.
Looking back, we realize that our willingness to embrace the unconventional, to live together before marriage, wasn't just a choice driven by economic necessity. It was a leap of faith, a bold step into the unknown that set the stage for a love that has stood the test of time.
As we continue celebrating 40 years and cherish the journey that brought us here, we're reminded that love is a complex, ever-evolving story. Our story includes those two years of "shacking up," and we wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for taking this stroll down memory lane with me. 😊
