Perfectly Compatible

Drew and I like to think we are perfect for each other. Of course, I'm sure every couple (especially those who are less than two months from saying 'I do') likes to think that way. Over the last month or so we have embarked on a number of meetings and retreat in an effort to get married in the Catholic church. Through it all we've been forced to think about how our indivudual lives/morals/upbringings, etc. will play a role in our relationship and the family we are about to become. One of the first things we did when we met with our Decon was take a questionnaire compatibility test. The test was filled with questions relating to communicating, religious views, to financial situations, as well as many other topics. While neither one of us was nervous about the outcome, we were quite curious as to what the results would indicate. Over the weekend we sat down with a couple from the church who offered to be out mentors (They were good friends with Drew's family growing up) who told us that in all of the years they have been doing this (I want to say at least 10 years) they have never seen scores as good/as close as ours were to each other. To add to that, each topic has one or two key indicator questions which the church considers more important than the others. In that case, if you miss one (or more) it's important that your mentors talk through the questions/answers with you. Drew and I not only had the same answers as each other, but we both put the church's preferred answer.

I really believe that Iraq forced us to think and talk about things that we may not have considered for some time. I know personally Iraq forced me to take on roles I wouldn't have had to otherwise, as well as learn to communicate stronger verbally as opposed to shutting down or pretending everything is okay, when it's not. We didn't have a choice. And, for that I think we are stronger for it.

After going over the results we talked with the couple for a while. The wife made an interesting analogy. She called their marriage a child. That just like you have to take care of yourself and your children, you can't neglect your marriage. You must also make time for each other, just like you make time for each individual kid, if you are blessed to have children. It was an interesting analogy, which also makes a lot of sense. This is one thing Drew and I have talked about in the past, how we both think it's important to get away together once a year (or whenever necessary). It doesn't have to be far or fancy, but a chance to focus on us as a couple. Overall, it was a nice night hearing from and talking to a couple who have been married for 40+ years whom isn't an immediate family member, nor someone we know really well.