Thoughts on Thursdays

Don't let anyone meddle.

I love that we have the first & last-final say in everything we do. For so long when we were young, we had to keep in mind what our parents wanted. It was really strange to move in together and really make our own decisions on everything. Our parents had one request of us-that we not live together before we married. Not a problem for us, neither of us wanted to. But living with your parents still puts certain restrictions and rules on your relationship no matter what. So the day we married was a very freeing feeling. Our first few weeks at home were like one big sleepover where your best friend never leaves. It was awesome.

Anyways, we have really learned how nice it is not to have (or let) our parents meddle in our relationship. My parents and my in-laws are both fantastic that way. I'm so relieved that there is absolutely no fighting over who will spend holidays with who, arguments over not spending enough time with one or the other, or even just everyday business. They have allowed us to be our own couple and support everything that we do. We've never had any issues with having to defend our own families or take sides. It's awesome. Not that they "meddled" when we were younger, they rightfully had a say in the matter, but they were still great. I talked with a friend yesterday that has very smoothering in laws & both sets of parents that demand time spent with them. She is also put in a position (quite often) where her husband is stuck between sticking up for his wife & sticking up for his mother. I totally feel for her-what a frusterating situation.

We decided early on that we would not let others run our relationship. It takes hard work to shape that kind of relationship, because you don't want to step on families toes. We are always on each other's side and don't allow situations to arise where we would have to choose sides between our family or our spouse. We never leave each other's side if a family argument arises (which is rare) and are a united front. We choose where we want to spend holidays without guilt. It helps that I have a husband who sometimes talks to (or texts!) my Mom more than I do on a daily basis. We are both so blessed that we have supportive families!

Don't let anyone turn you against each other.