Sheri likes the pasta or vegetarian type of meal.
Bob likes Ray Charles music.
Sheri has been a Henry Mancini fan forever.
Bob likes a vacation out in the woods, in a tent.
Sheri prefers a nice condo on the beach.
Bob gets up early in the mornings.
Sheri believes the day should start around 10 am.
Bob likes action, blood and gut movies.
Sheri likes romantic ones.
Bob likes flannel sheets.
Sheri likes silk ones.
And the list can go on and on... different tastes in movies, clothes, books, tv shows, drinks, hobbies, sports, temperature of the room, size of dog, height of mirror, furniture styles and how to spend our time.
So how does a couple like us, who are so very different, stay married for 40 years?? Well, we believe it is because we weren't attracted to one another by what we liked or ate or which movie we liked best. Sheri was attracted to Bob's spontaneity, creativity and ambition and his being over 6 feet tall was an additional bonus! Bob liked Sheri's wiggle in her walk and her intelligence and humor.
What is interesting now, is that what initially attracted us, can really bug us later on. Bob's height means Sheri's hanging plants were a no-no. Sheri's love of reading made Bob feel like he was playing second fiddle to her books. Bob's spontaneity was no longer fun when it meant Sheri had to get two kids ready in a half hour for an unplanned trip to a neighboring state!
Some couples find that their spouse's playfulness is really annoying; or the predictability they so highly praised is now boring them to death.
This is normal. The old adage of opposites attract has some truth to it. We often look for someone to sort of complete ourselves. But then, we can begin to resent it. The key to dealing with this is talking about it with one another.
Express your expectations and feelings. It is not fair to expect our spouses to change, and in reality, most of us really don't want that change to occur. Sheri really does value Bob's spontaneity, and would be upset if he lost that trait.
It can be fun to list what attracted you to one another when you first met, and what you continue to appreciate in one another. Might be a challenging thing to do on a windy, chilly day when you can relax together, share some memories, and talk about your love for one another!
