Comments on: Not flowers, diamonds, and candlelight

By: Sue

Sue — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:14:43 +0000

I love how my husband is able to accept all the parts of me…and there are quite a few, some more desirable than others. (A therapist once told me that I love him because he can “handle” me…And I don’t mean physically, by the way, but that ain’t bad either!)

He also respects me, and it shows in his actions. I never have to convince him that what I am doing or want to do is worthwhile. It also means a lot to me that he values my opinion above all others.

He didn’t used to be as good at gifts as he is now. (So they CAN evolve!) Last year he gave me a Christmas gift I will always remember. We have a favorite song by Darden Smith called “All Around You.” The singer is telling a woman that his love is “all around you, above and below you, everywhere you go…”, etc. My husband took a little piece of paper, wrote my name in the middle, and printed his name and the names of all our children around mine in a circle. Underneath he wrote, “It’s all around you.” Then he folded up the note and placed it in a small, wooden box. It was perfect, and I will always treasure it. (I will also treasure the beautiful bracelet than was in the box with it, lol…but the gift would have been my favorite ever, even without the bracelet.)

My love for him is the best thing in my life, along with the children that came with it.

By: Emily (Emlouisa)

Emily (Emlouisa) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:11:23 +0000

My husband is like that too. I get support for whatever crazy thing I want to do. Not only does is he a fabulous husband, but he is a GREAT dad. He does just as much for them as I do. I thought that was normal until I observed other families and realized that I am very, very blessed. He has alway shown me the utmost love and respect. He’s my best friend.

Thanks for the reminder.

By: Christy

Christy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:44:45 +0000

A truly beautiful tribute to your husband! I think that they love us so because we have in some way shown that we love them just as much, and respect their decisions and actions in our homes as well. When we see others as wonderful, that is what they will become…a proven truth in many lives! Just loving, is the best fix.

By: Jess

Jess — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:20:33 +0000

I really liked this post. I have a wonderful hubby who always supports me in what I want to do… to the point of raised eyebrows from his family/friends sometimes. I forget how great he is a lot of the time, though, and throw a fit when I don’t get the extravagant surprise or extra attention.

Good reminder to appreciate what you have. Thanks.

And I love it when we have an inside joke or even just a look between us, that no one else understands.

By: Tamlynn

Tamlynn — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:13:16 +0000

Nice article, Les. I’d like to give my dh more opportunities to support me like that. You always motivate me to remember my abilities and potential.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:17:19 +0000

great post!! And yes it’s those ways of showing love that mean more to me. (not minding leftovers b/c I was gone doing a hobby, and didn’t cook dinner). And sounds you definitely got yourself a keeper

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:59:23 +0000

This reminded me so much of something Sister Hinckley appreciated about her husband, President Hinckely. She talked about he always let her fly. How great to dive into your talents and to be allowed to grow and flourish. What a gift.

By: Emily K

Emily K — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:49:58 +0000

Fly, Leslie, fly! I love having a “spotter,” what a wonderful analogy. My husband 100% trusts me and my decisions… he’ll give input if I ask, but he always wants me to do what I think best, and I LOVE that!

By: mormonhermitmom

mormonhermitmom — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:37:56 +0000

My hubby tells me he loves me everyday, and he does a lot to back it up. He’ll fend off the kids if I need a nap, do dishes, and he rarely lets me take the garbage to the dumpster. He is also brave enough to eat anything new I try to cook. I’ve learned to let a lot of things go that I otherwise might harp on forever about. I’ve learned to eat a lot of new food too! He allows me, nay, insists! that I think of myself as beautiful, even with the weight of four kids that I’ve accumulated.

It’s wonderful when a couple figures out how to work and complement/compliment each other. That’s joy.

By: Michelle L.

Michelle L. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:39:03 +0000

I loved your post Leslie and all the comments but Jennie’s comment sent me over the edge– Nobody had ever said, “I love you enough to not let you go” til I met him.

I’m always amazed when my hubby says, “great, go for it.” I fail more often than I succeed but he still encourages me to keep trying.

I’ll have my teenage sons read this when they get home from school. It’s a powerful message for future husbands.