Women's Focus - February 2008 - (Page 10)

focus on L O V E omance1 While I’m a great fan of happy endings (ask anyone who knows me), they aren’t really the end, and we all know it. Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always wondered what happened after “happily ever after.” (I also wanted to know where the bathrooms were on the Enterprise, but that’s for a different article). versus rEality he looks in his new shirt. He doesn’t notice that you’ve highlighted your hair. When your sister says he’s a great catch, you wonder what she’s referring to, as you picture his socks and underwear lying on the floor where he left them. Then, just when the mundane threatens to obscure any spark of attraction, something will surprise you into falling in love all over again. He phone calls, deal with paperwork, pay the bills, cook supper, put the kids to bed (inspect teeth, administer medicines, read stories, sing songs, say prayers, pick out clothes for the next day) and fund our retirement plan. And frankly, after all that, we’re just too tired. Our friendships hurry to short and poor conclusions, because we have made them a texture of wine and dreams, instead of the tough fibre of the human heart. ~ R A L P H W A L D O E M E R S O N In the movies, the lovers kiss or ride off together into the sunset. In real-life romances, that’s where the story really begins. I suppose the reality of a strong marriage and enduring love is just not dramatic or entertaining enough for movies and novels. I cannot recall now what I thought would come next, when I pondered those stories as a young, single girl. I only know what the reality—and real romance—is for me today. It’s my husband doing the dishes, replacing the fuel filter on my car or being sweet to me when I’m being grumpy to him. It’s him listening—for days, if necessary—to whatever topic I can’t stop talking about. It’s when we’re looking through old pictures and I realize (out loud) that I was actually prettier back then than I thought I was, and he says, “You still are.” i n d u l g e y o u r s e l f • Wo m e n s F o c u s . c o m • F E B R U A RY 2 0 0 8 wins the hula-hoop contest with your son or constructs a princess palace for your daughter. He says just the right thing at just the right time. He makes the best coffee in the world, and you’re not the only one who thinks so. He remembers what you were wearing the day you met. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: Our friendships hurry to short and poor conclusions, because we have made them a texture of wine and dreams, instead of the tough fibre of the human heart. I think that’s true in love as well. Roses are beautiful, but I’m just as thrilled with having my windshield scraped for me on a cold morning. Leave the box of chocolates at the store; I’ll just have to work them off later. If you really want to show me a thoughtful gesture, watch the kids so I can soak, uninterrupted, in a hot, bubbly bath for an hour. There are times, of course, in any real relationship when romance is even less than an afterthought. You forget to tell him how handsome ~ Carolyn EriCkson Yes, that wins him brownie points. Big ones! We could probably all use an evening together for some traditional romance; no children, just a candlelight dinner for two, a romantic comedy playing at the Warren and a walk in the moonlight. But first we have to get the backpack ready for school the next day, sign the permission slips, winterize the car, bring in the mail, return some 10 http://www.womensfocus.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Women's Focus - February 2008

Women's Focus - February 2008 Contents Ask Dick & Jane Romance Versus Reality Valentine’s Day—A Single Girl’s Survival Guide Habitat For Humanity—Women Build 2008 Body Beautiful Knightley Reading 12 Months of Shoes Sierra’s Stars City Culture Day Tripping: Hesston, Kansas In Her Shoes—Dr. David Rosen Tokens of Affection for Him & Her Making a Difference in the Community Forget-Me-Not—Sara Paretsky For the Love of Dance—Miss Diane Gann Wichita’s Next Top Model Contest Love Gardening? Join the Club! Indulge Yourself Yoga for Two Workout Journals When “No” Means NO! Something to Smile About A Romantic Valentine’s Dinner for Four Crafts: Bee Mine Valentine Social Circle Save the Date

Women's Focus - February 2008

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