I Chose Him

Movies have tainted me.

Let me explain.

Some of my favorite movies are based on deep romances where the leading men sweep women off their feet with words and acts of sincere affection. Titantic anyone? Romeo and Juliet? Notebook? It's because of these overly-exaggerated scenes and love stories that I, along with millions of other women, dream of how our future husbands will romance us til the end of time. I envy the women in the stories, yearning for that type of romance in my relationship. All the while realizing that, chances are, it will never happen. 

You see, Derek isn't the romantic type. At least not like the movies portray how men should be. Sure he'll bring me flowers on vday or my birthday and maybe on a couple random occasions throughout the year, but in general, he's not what most consider "romantic". He'll write me little notes and stick them on the fridge once in a while, but grand gestures aren't his thing and he'll freely admit to that. I'd love to someday be able to post a story like Ami's fairytale but Derek's romantic acts are limited to things like telling me I'm beautiful and texting 'I love you'. I'm starting to think this is coming off as complaining to some of you. Well I'm not!

Let me clarify that the point is not to belittle my wonderful husband, or his small, but sweet romantic acts. In fact, I'm probably pretty lucky compared to a lot of women who struggle with their touch-and-go relationships. It's just that I'm a woman. And naturally I'm going to long for romance. I can't help that I'm jealous of friends who have crazy romantic husbands who constantly do beautiful things for their wife. I can't help wish he could put just a smidge more thought behind a surprise. Sorry, I'm human and I don't sugarcoat on this blog.

But do you know why I chose him? Because although he isn't as romantic as the movies show husbands should be, you can bet your ass he's a better father than any movie has ever shown. My husband plays harder with and cares more for Drew than a lot of men out there with their sons. His patience with him is outstanding and everything he does is for our son. It brings me to tears to see how he gently takes over when I'm flustered with Drew and need to cool off. And let's not forget that he loves me something fierce.

Sorry ladies, your hubs can go ahead and sport a "my husband is more romantic than yours" bumper sticker, but mine wins 'Best Husband of The Century' award. I guess it's just about priorities, right? I would never trade his awesome financial sense, dorky humor that matches mine, love for his family, hard work ethic or his Channing Tatum level good looks for some romance. Never. Don't get me wrong though, I'm still secretly hoping he'll whisk me off to Australia someday. I guess a sticky love note will have to suffice for now though.

I chose him. My non-romantic, but amazing father of a husband and best friend in this journey.

Oh, and in other news, Drew begins a new toddler class on Monday that I found. It's titled "Romance: It's Never To Early To Learn The Basics". Start 'em early.