Milestones...precious and priceless...

Last June 19, 2007 was our second year anniversary as a couple in an exclusive relationship. Since Junby blogged about our one year anniversary as an engaged couple, it falls to me to do the honors of blogging about our two years together.

Two years -- how time flies! It's been two years of discovering one another's uniqueness. Though we had been friends since CYA days, the years apart have wrought some changes in each of us. I can safely say I'm vastly different from the Mitzi that Junby came to know during college. That must have surprised him :) I hope it was a pleasant one altogether but then that's part of the challenge of being in a relationship -- the acceptance of the reality that the Present presents and letting go of some illusions that were borne from the past or the fantasies of long ago. Doing so would be an expression of love for love is not necessarily blind. I think Love sees everything -- the shadows and the lights. Sees all these and decides to love nonetheless.

What have I learned in the two years we have been a couple...

First, communication might indeed be key but make sure you are on the same channel. Many a times Junby and I are coming from opposite ends of the spectrum and are discussing the issue at hand but from totally different perspectives. The distance is an added challenge. What has helped though is taking a step back and asking ourselves what the real issue is. That takes a lot of self-control especially when emotions are particularly intense. By God's grace we've learned to do that more often and when we slip up, apologizing helps.

Second, in a relationship one's own needs are secondary to that of the beloved. When he is happy, in the long run, I become happy. He is able to love better because he's so full of love he can't help but overflow with it.

Lastly, when all is said and done one's faith in God is important indeed. If He wasn't part of the equation, I have my doubts about my ability to see this thing through to the end. My selfishness would rear its ugly head and make this relationship truly a "purifying" experience for Junby. I'm glad he hasn't given up on the pruning season. He's sticking it out 'til harvest time and for that I have a diamond ring on my finger as proof.

Thanks Jun for two years of growing pains and maturing together. I look forward to fifty years or more of improved loving. I pray that we continue to being the best lovers for and of each other.