Tuesday; March 18

When I was growing up, I often heard the phrase “opposites attract” and if you were to know me and Jeane back in the day, you could affirm it’s validity.  While there were many things about which we agreed, our personalities were quite different.  I guess there is credence to the concept because after over 40 years we are still together.  We are proud of what we have done, but there is another couple that puts us to shame.  For over 60 years Carl Dean was married to Dolly Parton.  Dolly was about as flamboyant as they come and Carl seemed content to stay in the background.  I don’t know what their relationship was like at home, but at least on the surface, they made it work.

The reason I bring this up is to remind us that even though there is credence to theory that opposites attract, we have to be careful to make it work.  The excitement of two people with different personalities can turn into an annoyance if it isn’t cultivated.  What we found interesting in the other person can quickly become irritating if we don’t stay deeply connected.  Sure, people who are different from each other can get together, but it takes a dedication to help them stay together.

If you are having trouble with the differences in your relationships, stop and think about what brought you together in the first place.  No two people are exactly the same although some couples come closer than others.  If you find yourselves drifting apart, reinforce your connection based on your shared values, then don’t be afraid to embrace the excitement of the differences.  

Think About It!


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