Member-only story
7 Ways My Husband Shows Me He Loves Me
During this time of young child and work, small actions can create huge connections.
By Paget Norton
I don’t think anyone ever truly prepared me for the challenges of a long-term relationship.
Theoretically, I knew things would change, but I didn’t know how they would change. I had no idea of the impact a child would have on a — at the time — seven-year relationship, or where we would be fourteen years in. Even though my parents and my husband Philippe’s parents have been together many years (over fifty for my parents and close to fifty for his), I didn’t realize there would be eras or ages of a relationship. From the initial new relationship energy filled with flexibility and zest to the deepening of our connection past first fights and first turn-offs through engagement, marriage, a child, and beyond.
What’s remarkable over the years is both the depth of how we connect as well as moments of wondering who the other is. I know Philippe, but he still surprises me. Our patterns of where and how we don’t meet up well emerge, and the work emerges, too. With that, I’ve come to realize, marriage can be hard. There are moments when I want to throw in the towel and give up. A few days ago was…