Two peas in a pod.

I have two friends that are married to one another.  They were originally friends by marriage, i.e. the guy in this equation was one of my husband's co-workers, but after that first Christmas party I knew these were some special people.

I want to tell you about them, but at the same time I don't want to make you feel bad about your relationship because it isn't like this one.  Just remember, I am an outsider to this relationship.  As with any relationship, you never know what goes on behind closed doors.  I'm sure they have their issues too but from the outside looking in...it is inspiring.

Both the husband and wife love to cook.  He smokes the most delicious barbecue and she is fantastic at desserts.  If a millionaire would adopt them, they could start an extremely profitable restaurant, I'm sure of it!

Both the husband and wife love to entertain.  They will turn their backyard into a movie night or a giant water slide and invite tons of people over and yes this includes with children, to completely violate their beautiful home without making anyone feel uncomfortable for a spill or a mess.

Both the husband and wife are kind and loving to one another and are equal participants in the running of the household.  They are a team.  They are a cohesive unit.  No task is exclusively one member of this couples responsibility necessarily.  It is inspiring, and refreshing to see.

Too many times we have become so cynical in our own relationships that we make fun of our spouse or speak ill of them to others.  Keep in mind that you are with your spouse a lot more than you are with any other individual and if you were with anyone for a long time they would eventually get on your nerves.

What do I want you to take away from this?  Starting today, if you don't already, I want you to make a point to be your spouse's biggest cheerleader.  Never discourage, only encourage.  Do not even jokingly make fun of something that they do.  Be their largest support and biggest fan.  The world is attacking all of us for not being good enough.  We are trying to live up to an impossible standard daily. Allow your home to be a safe haven for one another where within its walls you are both "enough".

However, this is not a pass to become some sort of sloth.  Take pride in your appearance and always pretend as if you are still dating your spouse.  It won't hurt.

One of the best pieces I ever received was....when you are looking for a spouse look for someone who you don't think you deserve and someone who thinks they don't deserve you then spend the rest of your lives trying to achieve that task.