To The Woman That Loves My Husband Next

After a turbulent year, my husband and I have decided that we are better off parting ways and continuing on in life as friends. I imagine that this was the most peaceful and respectful separation in history. Still I am filled with emotion and reflection of the good times and bad as this chapter of my life comes to a close. I know he will move on and meet someone else that can appreciate him and love him in the way that he needs. I hope that she is kind and good because he deserves all the best. In that case have a few tips from things I've learned in the past seven years, things that you should know about him.

He likes spontaneous trips to the dollar store just for candy and goofing around. His favorite candy changes every few years. When we met it was Almond Roca. Then it was Boston Baked Beans. Now it’s Sour Patch Kids, the watermelon ones specifically.

He is literally down for anything. He will go to that Tequila Festival with you in Old Town Spring. He’ll go to that meditation meetup with you even though he thinks it’s strange. Then meditation will become his new favorite thing and he’ll start going with you every week.

Share with him your love of food. He’ll be the guinea pig for anything you want to try on Pinterest. Even if it’s not your best, he will tell you it’s great and that you’re the best chef.

He makes mistakes, even with the best of intentions. Forgive him anyway. He will forgive you time after time and still see the beauty in you every day.

Listen to his dreams. Listen to him tell you about how he wants to build a pergola for the back yard, and stain the deck a certain color, or mount a wood accent wall in the living room. Because he will do it and it will look amazing.

Laugh when he shows you memes. Even if you’ve already seen them. He’s been waiting to show you all day.

Introduce him to your parents. They will love him.

Listen when he talks about his day. He values your opinion most and needs the encouragement.

Kiss him like you mean it. Hug him first. Slap his butt. Move over to his side of the bed so he can put his arms around you. Lay on his lap when you watch TV. Hold his hand in the car or when you’re walking down the street. Show him that he is loved every day.

Photo Credit: Almos Bechtold