This week, Husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary. If you follow my blog, you would know by now that my husband and I are the type who tend to debate, squabble, bicker… we find it hard to be lovey dovey. It’s just… us. Which is why writing such a personal letter to my husband is so difficult, awkward and all kinds of shy for me. Still, I thought it would be meaningful to start a tradition of wedding anniversary letters to my husband (although, just a heads up: it’s not all champagne and roses but when is life ever like that?)
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Dear Husband,
This past year hasn’t been easy at all. This anniversary, more than any of the other ones, feels like a milestone of sorts. More than “just another year in a marriage”, it has been an honest struggle in some ways but an overall triumph at the end of the day. Or perhaps, “a significant growth” would be much more apt.
We got married pretty young and I have to honestly say I never really was prepared or realistic about whatever lay ahead. I have heard all the challenges, all the stories but like most people, I just thought maybe I was the exception. And that was failure on my part.
Husband, I have to say, you are not perfect. You are so far from perfect. And so am I.
But I also have to say I am really proud of the changes and growth you and I have gone through this past year.
For starters, I have never thought you would see a counsellor with me. I don’t think anybody believed you would do it. I am so proud that you have gone from a man who thought it is “stupid to listen to someone imperfect tell you how to live your life” to someone who has since changed your stance and even encouraged your own mate to see a counsellor. I am so glad you went with me and I truly thank you for humbling yourself. And it is so endearing to watch you quietly encourage your own friend.
Husband, we are so completely different yet similar all at the same time. Your carefree spirit drew me to you; yet it is your carefree spirit that makes me pull at my hair sometimes! I have always said it is a fatal flaw of sorts. At the same time, I am sure though you have tolerated plenty of my own imperfections. An ongoing symphony of giving and taking.
I think this anniversary is a little different. It is not one of extravagant celebration (though I do thank you for the Samsung tablet you got me last year ahem 😉 .
This anniversary feels like… a quiet, tranquil moment of gratitude. A gratitude to God’s grace for seeing two imperfect humans through another year. A gratitude-on-hindsight for the challenges faced. A gratitude to you for humbling yourself and the amazing changes we have seen in our lives. A gratitude to you for your tremendous effort. A gratitude to you for your patience and love towards me as well. A gratitude to the magnanimity of big hearts and forgiveness on both of parts – words that should never have been spoken or heard.
This year has been hard but it has also been good. This year I have been truly surprised by the turn of events. This year I think we have grown and learned. And I thank you for growing and learning with me. Happy Anniversary.
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I have since written other wedding anniversary letters to my husband here.
For more wedding anniversary gift ideas, have a look at some suggestions here.
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Congrats lovely – life, marriage sure isn’t an easy path. But I think if we take the good with the bad then things have a way of working themselves out 🙂
Thanks Emily! I definitely do believe in doing the best you can with whatever you have and hopefully things will just work themselves out 🙂
Such an honest and beautiful post. Marriage is an not easy thing to do but so glad you are growing together not apart. Happy Anniversary x
Thanks Lisa.. oh marriage is so so tough! But yes, it is important to grow together and not apart 🙂
Congratulations! It’s a good thing that when a year has come and gone and you can look back and see that you’ve both grown for the better!
Hey Rachel! Thank you, I do like reflecting and learning as much as possible 🙂
You sounds like a perfect fit. Being aware of our flaws and trying to do something about them is the stuff of great love!
Hi Lani, aww that’s nice the way you put it! Thank you x
Oh what a beautiful letter. Congratulations on the anniversary. May there be many more filled with fairy wishes and butterfly kisses to come
Thank you so much Rhianna! x
Congratulations on another year. That letter is really lovely!
Thanks lovely! 🙂 x
Lovely letter. And congrats on your anniversary. I can so totally relate to these words too.
Thank you Salz 🙂 x
We squabble and make fun of each other at our house, too. But we love each other … a lot! I totally get it 🙂 Lovely post 🙂
Different couples just get on differently don’t they? I’m never the kind who can say “I’m happily married to my lovely, amazing husband…”. Nothing wrong if people do, it’s lovely! But we’re just not like that. We’re more of “Oh he annoys me half the time” or “He’s my favourite person… when he’s asleep and not talking!” lol. It doesn’t make our bond any lesser, it is just a different way of love. I’m glad you get it 🙂 x
Congrats on your wedding anniversary. Sometimes it feels better to write it down in a letter than to tell it to their face. Writing does the same for me, it can bring out inner feelings and you don’t end up bickering again. That way he can read and absorb what your heart is trying to say. You guys are working like a team and that’s how marriage isn’t it?
Thank you E-von. I think it’s great to write. Sometimes, it feels so vulnerable though doesn’t it. Speaking the words can be much more tricky, especially if you say it in the wrong tone or the other person takes it wrongly lol. Sometimes, writing is just safer in some ways!
Lovely post Mandy. Congrats to you and hubby for getting to the other side of your tough year. I have to admit I do miss your ffs friday posts about what he has been up to lately!!
Thank you Ann! Haha I do miss writing the FFS Friday posts too! Maybe I should take it up again….. !
beautiful, raw, honest letter. I bet most of us could relate to that than an airy-fairy storybook romance letter that is completely put on! Congrats on your anniversary! -Aroha
Wow congratulations on making it through another year. So glad God was faithful in getting you through it. xx
I luv you more today than yesterday you are my world my life my everything will never stop loving you my darling. Husband were has the time gone hope we r together for ever here to the next 34 years luv u forever xx