“Sometimes the things you want the most don’t happen and what you least expect happens. I don’t know – you meet thousands of people and none of them really touch you. And then you meet one person and your life is changed forever.”

Sometimes, I watch Dr. Phil. For the sake of this entry, I am admitting that I watch it, though it’s not a regular occurrence. However, this month alone, it has prompted two entries on this blog. One of which will remain password protected, because some things aren’t meant to be shared but need to thought about.

Last night, I was watching Dr. Phil, and it was the “Marriage Meltdown” series. Three couples, with terrible marriages, trying to “work out” their differences. It was truly a disaster, but it really got my mind working. How any woman could stay in a relationship that’s abusive, hateful, and miserable…I just don’t know. Then I had to remember that not every relationship I’ve been in, is like my current one, and sometimes women stay because that’s what they know. Staying. Coping. Hoping it will change.

Today, I am thankful for Jeremy.

No, it didn’t take an episode of Dr. Phil to make me realize how lucky I am, but it did remind me that I have one amazing man. He never raises his voice to me, he never talks down to me, and he certainly has never (would never) hit me. He makes me want to be the woman who cleans for him, cooks for him, washes his clothes. Not because he’s lazy, or incapable, but because he appreciates me and makes me feel very loved and cared for. I don’t feel like I need to do anything for him, but I always want to.

Marriage is work. Living together is work, meshing your finances is work. If you think it’s easy to be near someone day in, and day out, and maintain a relationship that’s vibrant and fun…you’re wrong. It’s work and it’s not always easy, but I feel that in the right situation with the right person, it’s always worth it. Anything that makes you a better and stronger person in the long run, will always be worth it.

I am absolutely thankful for where we are together. Four years ago, I didn’t know someone like him could exist. I didn’t know my own worth in terms of what I deserved, and what kind of guy deserved me. Now, it’s like I’ve known him my whole life, because I am so smitten with my best friend.

I am so incredibly lucky.