“Love must be learned, and learned again and again; there is no end to it.” – Katherine Anne Porter

This Saturday, after running the errands, getting the car wash and cutting the grass, Mary Beth and I have a date. But this date won’t be the typical Saturday night out – it’s our 28th wedding anniversary. And we feel like dancing.

After 28 years, my wife and I have had plenty of time to choreograph the steps to our dance. We know when to step together to overcome challenges; and we know when to step away to give the other some needed space.

There’s a certain comfort about dancing with the same person for the past 28 years. Not comfort in the sense the dance is being taken for granted; but comfort in the sense we feel the presence of trust, partnership and love with every step.

After dancing together for so long, Mary Beth and I have learned a thing or two about love, marriage, and how to make a relationship work. We’ve learned that love takes patience, sacrifice and a shared commitment. And when the steps come together, a beautiful dance comes to life.

My wife has shown me more than 10,000 beautiful things about love. But If I could only pick 10, these would be the 10 most beautiful things about love – and the 10 Mary Beth and I will be dancing to for the next 28 years; and beyond:

1. There is no better feeling than love.
2. Love requires practice every day.
3. Enjoy the moment with your love; it’s the only one that is guaranteed.
4. Love will change you for the better.
5. Love brings both happiness and pain – and it’s from both the bond is created.
6. Scoreboards don’t work.
7. Love’s intent is to complement you; not complete you.
8. Loving yourself isn’t selfish; it’s required to make the relationship balanced and strong.
9. Let go to let love grow.
10. The way to lasting love comes through forgiveness.

About Alex Blackwell

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker.
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