Recently, my partner and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary, and with each passing year, it feels like we’re defying the odds of marriage. Maybe it’s because we’re so head over heels that the thought of being with anyone else seems ludicrous, or perhaps it’s just plain stubbornness.
I often reminisce about our first anniversary. We were young, full of energy, and blissfully unaware of the chaos that was to come. At 26, we were living the dream with two incomes and no kids, making it through dinner without a single meltdown. If only I could go back and tell my younger self to cherish those spontaneous moments more!
But time has brought changes, and so has our way of celebrating our anniversary. Here’s a look at how things have shifted:
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Marking the Date
Then: My calendar was wide open, with only a big, red heart marking August 25th.
Now: This year, our anniversary coincided with the first day of school, and while there was still a big, red heart, it was for entirely different reasons—like surviving the morning rush. -
Plans for the Day
Then: We indulged in a luxurious couples spa retreat with all the bells and whistles—candles, massages, and a hot tub.
Now: Our retreat involved speeding away from the school parking lot as fast as we could—no spa day in sight! -
Gift-Giving
Then: We exchanged gifts made of paper, as per tradition—I think I received a journal? How original.
Now: I had to Google what the gift for a 15th anniversary even is (it’s crystal, by the way), and it didn’t happen this year, nor do I care. -
Personal Care
Then: Showering and shaving were daily rituals, no big deal.
Now: My husband knows it’s a special day when I manage to do both. -
Dining Out
Then: We enjoyed a fancy dinner at a restaurant with an array of forks.
Now: We finally got out to dinner, forks included—though they were mostly being tossed on the floor by our kids! -
What Creaks
Then: Our bed.
Now: My knees. -
Toys
Then: *cough cough*
Now: The only battery-operated item in our bedroom is a stuffed snowman that randomly announces, “Hi! I’m Olaf! Wanna be my friend?” at the most inopportune times. -
Dreams for the Future
Then: We envisioned a life filled with kids, a dog, and a house.
Now: Our dreams mostly revolve around sleeping in and paying off our mortgage in a few centuries!
After so many years together, my partner and I have perfected the art of romance. I lend a hand while he handles the kids, and he ensures the toilet seat is down at night to prevent any accidents. We’ve learned that meaningful moments don’t require grand plans—they often come from shared glances when our kids say something outrageous, like when he looked at me and thought, “Did she just say, ‘This is ridiculous?’” to which I nodded, fighting back laughter.
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In summary, while our anniversary celebrations have transformed over the years, the core of our relationship remains unchanged—full of love, laughter, and a shared understanding of the beautiful chaos that is family life.