Grateful for opposites

Almost eighteen years ago I met a man and we became friends. Three months later we crossed a line and never looked back. On the surface even I would never have picked him as my life long mate. I had always heard “opposites attract”, but up until then I had always been drawn to guys who were similar to me. Then I met my husband and found the meaning in “other half”. Being with your opposite means you have a complementary person who challenges you (instead of just “yes” all the time), helps you grow, gives you insights into worlds you may never have looked at before (books, films, travel destinations, viewpoints and more).

All these years later that is what I love most about my relationship (and, at times, least) as it will always be a challenge and part of my growth as a person.

He’s spontaneous!

Last week I posted on facebook because my husband had a sudden day off and wondered if I could drop what I was doing and play hooky. Now I know most people have the first instinct to run off with their other half and have some fun while the kids are at school. The timing could not have been worse as I had things to do and someone else to consider since I am not working alone. I did compromise and got some stuff done before racing out the door for a long lunch with my husband.

Every step of the way our differences were highlighted and I became acutely aware of how grateful I am for them (and him).

He’s laid back!

Practical me was thinking we should just find somewhere easy and local (time was running out).

His thoughts went along the lines of “we have all the time in the world, let’s go into the city.” He was still figuring things out while driving (trying to arrange a car park at his office that did not happen).

He’s flexible!

Without a bit of worry he just followed where the car was now directed and adapted – oh how I love adaptability!

We ended up in West End which is one of our favourite areas to eat – so many yummy choices.

In my mind, again ever practical, I figured the $10 lunch special at a Thai or Indian restaurant.

Hubby is in a celebratory mood after working so hard for months and we end up at a VERY nice restaurant I had been to once before.

He’s indulgent!

The food was incredible, we lingered, he had drinks (I drove), I pre-ordered the check (he told me to relax), I settled into a warm pot of chai on a cold and grey day, and finally I started to unwind.

I texted my neighbour to let the kids know we might be a few minutes late to school pick up and we entered dream world – possible vacations or trips “home” to family, how we could renovate our house, what we want for the future… all those conversations you can’t have in the 20 minutes of relaxing time you have on a normal day. We held hands on the walk to the car. He insisted I drop him at school so he could pick up the girls and walk them home.

I got home and had a few minutes to straighten up before friends were arriving for the afternoon. Instead of retreating, my husband hung out with my friends and their kids, playing cricket, enjoying my girls, sipping hot drinks and laughing.

An unexpected Friday day off! One I am more grateful for than I ever expected. That’s the thing with opposites – you can’t truly predict what they will do next and isn’t that great?

What are you grateful for this week?

Find your simple,

Deb

Linking up this week for 52 weeks of grateful with Maxabella Loves and Kidspot