His and Hers X
His and Hers is a question or discussion topic relating to marriage that I post every Tuesday or Wednesday. On Friday, my wife and I each write our thoughts on the topic. I invite other bloggers to do the same with their spouses as an exercise in celebrating marriage. This week's question is:
How has marriage affected the other relationships in your life?
Mrs. Happy's response
My first thought regarding this question is a little on the sad side, as I feel that I have neglected many of my other relationships due to the closeness of my marriage and the directions it has taken me through the last six years. However, upon greater reflection, I realize that Curt has modeled a deep sense of family devotion and loyalty that I am still learning to adopt and apply to my own family—and my friendships, too. Even though I've been a poor correspondent at times, I would hope that everyone I love knows that I love them and that I would do everything in my power to be the friend, sister, daughter, granddaughter, etc., that they need me to be.
Curt's response
My marriage has affected my relationships in one major way. It has made them better. Being married and loving my wife as deeply as I do has taught me how two people can relate on an intimate level. This knowledge now informs all of my relationships with family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and passersby. I understand myself better because my wife brings out aspects of my personality that I was unaware of before I met her. I understand relationships better because I'm more aware of what makes them work. In short, I'm a better friend and a better person because of my marriage, and that shows in my other relationships.
