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On Relationships {Anni, Lincoln Park on a Lark}

Hey guys! My name is Anni, and I blog over at Lincoln Park on a Lark. I’m a city girl at heart currently living in Chicago with my fiance, Ross.I have far more books than should be allowed in a 650 square foot apartment, and I love them all – from the Flaubert, Huxley, Orwell and Hitchens to my old BSC books. When I’m not writing or reading blog entries I’m most likely out and about with my camera (and often our Australian Shepherd, Sunday) in tow. I’m so excited Katie asked for guest posters, because I just adore her blog and I think Sunday and Lucia would be BFFs if we didn’t live so far apart!

Today I want to talk to you about relationship stuff. Ross and I have been together for almost seven years and while we’re both really excited for our wedding next year, we’re also a little bit of an old married couple. How do I know this? I’m going to be honest, things don’t stay pretty forever. There’s only so many years you can go before you let down those walls you swear you never would. I’m talking ridiculous things like going to bed in ratty tee shirts and having to ask each other details that you really should know (I don’t think Ross’s mom would have gotten a birthday present in years if it wasn’t for me.) You’ll know you’ve hit this point in your relationship you’re subject to hearing about poop schedules – and it doesn’t even weird you out. Yes, I said poop. I’m just being honest here, I want you to know the real deal. Sorry if you’re one of those super-sensitive people, or happened to be eating when you read that.

Old married couple-ness can take many forms, including but not limited to: staying in on Friday and Saturday nights to eat dinner in front of the TV, considering “living it up” to be ordering a take-out pizza from Whole Foods ,having all the same friends, telling the same stories to everyone you meet (because you’ve been together so long that your stories are the same), treating your pets like your kids, and knowing exactly what to order your partner when you go out.

On my end, the old-married-ness looks a little something like this:

What you see right there is Ross’s fun, whimsical self (he will break spontaneously into song, or pick me up if he thinks the moment is “right”) and my normal “uh, what are you DOING?” expression. Because, you know, these whimsical moments can’t be kept to our dining room. They usually happen at the most random of times, including a coffee run, a shopping trip or while we’re walking the dog.

I know I’m prone to look a bit incredulous, but this is exactly what I love about our relationship. I can’t imagine life without those totally carefree, crazy moments. My type A, must have everything figured out to a T, worry that I didn’t lock the door behind me even when I know I did self needs that spontaneous foil. Without that, I would have missed out on things like random trips to the Art Institute, or a long walk around the lake just because, or driving around on our lunch break just to find somewhere new. I know these things don’t sound like much, but they’re the small moments that make up our relationship. Without Ross, I think I’d be incredibly shy and bored still. Because incredulous look and all, taking part in these little adventures has taught me that it’s okay to go out and make a fool of myself, to not care what others think of me, and to sing a little (as long as I have a margarita in hand).

If you’re in a relationship, what does your partner bring to your life that you are most grateful for?

14 Comments

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  • I love this post, and you’re totally right….this is what happens when you have been with someone for a long time! My husband and I have been together for almost 9 years (married for almost 4) and we read each other’s thoughts, finish the other’s sentences, and get excited about spending nights in cuddled up on the couch catching up on our DVR. It’s a great feeling to be at that totally comfortable point with your significant other, even if it means knowing poop schedules! 🙂

  • great post! 2 1/2 years into our marriage I completely get what you mean! However,I love that my husband’s personality balances mine…and sometimes I love that we just get to do the “mundane” together!

  • Oh Anni, that’s so sweet!! I think that’s so wonderful that he’s like that. What a good balance to have. You all sound so adorable. 🙂

  • Love the photo. Love the candid truth of the post. Love that you have found, accept, and appreciate life’s balance – its something that some search for, forever 🙂

  • Aw I love this Annie. You are are a gorgeous couple and I enjoy the ‘old couple-ness’ that you say you guys have. I think it really helps people realize that the honeymoon phase does end and that you are picking a life partner. I think you did a great job on this post and kudo’s to Katie!!!

  • I can totally relate (even to the poop schedules part!) after being together for 7.5 years and married for almost one. I love the safe and comfortable feeling that comes from our ‘old married couple’ relationship!

    PS – That picture is adorable!

  • Seven years? It only took us uh, maybe ONE before we talked poop schedules.

    I love that photo of the two of you. Candids are my favorite!

  • Love this post, Anni! Scot and I are definitely entering that “old married couple” phase right now.. we constantly say that the wedding will just be a formality because really, we’re already married 😉

    That photo of you guys is darling!

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