Nimwit!

Some people have no common sense. I certainly am not going to sit here and lie. I, personally, don't have a ton of it, but I have some! I have more than the idiot I encountered today after work anyways.

A friend of mine, Erin, is engaged to be married next fall. And, rightfully so, she is excited about her life changing event. As any normal person that lives in the real world, she hears humming of the occasional failed marriage. It happens, we all know it. It is a part of our reality. However, today someone, this moronic, common sense lacking flomper took it to another level.

She opened the conversation by asking Erin how her wedding plans were going. Erin was beaming, gushing over the bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and her honeymoon destination. She had whatever the equivalent of a pregnant glow is. It is obvious, just by observing, that everything means so much to her.

The lady began reminiscing. I can't lie, I did too. I remember those days, planning our wedding, trying to make sure everything was just so. The great expectations you have for a day that goes by so quickly, but yes, means so much. Then, she took the ridiculous turn.

"I remember those days. They were so nice. Before he became an @$$#ole." Whoaaa lady! Watch it! You are talking to a fairly newly wed and a bride-to-be. Apparently the looks on our faces did not hinder her thought. For she plugged on, spilling horror stories of mistreatment, neglect, and most recently infidelity. She shared intense details of the infidelity. Much more than us outsiders needed to know, more than anyone but her psychiatrist needs to know, really!

With that, my friend's spirit was ruined. That glow she had turned into a defeated look. She expressed concern of hearing horror story after horror story, and about marriage after marriage falling apart. It's disheartening. It makes her fear for her future.

While there are those negative examples of marriage surrounding us, we can't overlook the strong ones. As Erin melted at the thought of what this absurd woman just spewed at us, I reminded her of the best examples I knew. Examples of marriages lasting 20, 30 plus years. People who truly deserve others admiration for their commitment to one another.

I am not nieve enough to think that Jeff and I deserve that accolade yet. However, I think we are certainly on our way. The sacrifices we are making for each other right now are beyond what many could even fathom. It's hard for me to fathom myself much of the time.

No matter what, it is always important remember the good times. The excitement of getting to know each other;

The feeling of first having that ring on your finger;

And knowing that you have committed to ever-lasting love.

Yes, Erin has a lot to look forward to. She can't let someone with a negative experience steal her thunder. Your life, and your marriage for that matter, is all about what you make of it. Others do not dictate what it is, what is acceptable, and how it works. You do!