On Marriage

Anthony Peluso wrote this and I thought it worth sharing with you…

There was a time when marriage was the most furthest thing from my mind. I could never see myself making this type of commitment. To me, it symbolised slowing down, compromising, getting comfortable, small thinking and giving up on those dreams I had as a kid. I couldn’t stay in a relationship for longer than a year or two as my appetite for life was a little too overwhelming for those around me.

Then I met this girl.

I walk into the office elevator on my first day. We both look at each other, smile and then … complete silence. That awkward few minutes where you’re the only ones in the elevator and I suddenly lose the ability to speak or move. I actually thought I was having a stroke, either that or my Jim Carrey moment, not sure which.

That’s when I first learnt the power of a smile.

That’s also the first time I experienced communication … without a word being spoken.

Fast forward 2023 and here we stand, celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

So what have I learnt in 25 years (and still learning)?

1. Marriage, with “the one” is the most fulfilling and most beautiful commitment.

2. Love can be overrated, but mostly misunderstood.

3. If ALL you have is love, you don’t have much (sorry Lennon/McCartney but you need a little more).

4. Admiration and Understanding are the bedrock and cornerstone of any great relationship.

5. Nothing moves you forward in the same direction as having your goals, purpose and mission … all aligned.

6. Trying to change your partner is simply a waste of time.

7. Changing you and becoming the best version of you is the greatest investment of time and money.

8. There’s no perfect marriage or relationship. Sometimes it’s a roller coaster and sometimes it’s a merry go round.

9. Kindness and affection are karma and also open every door.

10. Your partner can never make you happy. Only you hold the cards to this.

11. Distractions and temptations are an indication your purpose in life isn’t big enough.

12. Continuing to create the marriage and putting a future there is the greatest act of love.

13. The more people you can help together and cause an effect on, the greater the victory and reward for you both.

14. If a relationship robs either one of you of your potential, you’re with the wrong person.

15. Learn to look more and than you listen.

16. What you don’t say can cause more damage than what you do say.

17. Pay attention to who is around you when problems don’t seem to resolve.

18. Risks are always better than regrets.

19. Mistakes are inevitable. We’re humans being.

20. Paying attention and giving acknowledgements to your partner keeps you both in present time.

21. Never take your partner for granted. Wake up everyday like it’s day number one.

22. Always be willing to see the other persons view point and stand in their shoes.

23. There is no “marriage is 50/50”. It’s either 100% each or it’s zero.

24. No matter how great the relationship is, there is always a level above.

25. Communication to a relationship is what oxygen is to a body. You’ll soon enough die without it.

26. Hate is a wasted emotion. To love in spite of all is what got us to 25 years.

To my amazing Lisa-Marie,

I’ve been saying “I Do” for 25 years and kinda like the sound of that for another 25.

You’ve always been the better part of me.

You’ve been my greatest supporter, my greatest inspiration and my greatest love story.

If I wrote a book, you’d be in every line.

You’re my everything!

Thank you for being “the one” and getting in that elevator with me all those years ago.