Best marriage advice I've ever received

In the spirit of all thing Valentine's, a marriage post.

Let's be blunt: Marriage opinions are like assholes, everyone has one... and no one wants to hear it.

Everywhere you go, especially as a newlywed, there is someone who has been married 4 days longer... or who are on their 24th anniversary at 29 years old... or have been through more marriages than you've had birthdays... and guess what?! They all have a golden rule, or piece of advice, to pass down.

Now typically I ignore these tidbits of advice because more often than not, what works in their marriage will not work in mine. But a long time ago, long before I ever met the man who would be my husband... I was given a piece of advice that I carry with me every day.

"Don't EVER talk poorly of your husband, to anyone, EVER."

Now - have I failed at this before? Sure. I've had the occasional "HE IS DRIVING ME NUTS" conversation with a friend a time or two. But I make it a goal to ensure that does not become a habit.

Besides the obvious - it's not nice to talk about others - your friends also do not love your husband the way that you do. They will not forgive the way you will. They do not see the apology, the genuine love shared between the two of you. They are simply on the outside of the marriage and as much damage control as you try to do, talking him up, bragging.. etc. these friends will not forget what you've told them in the heat of the moment. You, more than likely, made the issue sound worse than it was... I'm certain his side of the story was not shared, and to prove a point the words "always, and all the time, and everyday" were used. It's called an exaggeration. I've read that 93% of women exaggerate when they are upset. You're not alone... we're all crazy. (or at least the 93% of us - the other 7% are single)

When I talk to friends, co-workers, and family members I try to remember to raise Brian up, to make him sound like the man I see him as. No need to lie. You married the man, there must be a million things you love about him. Give him credit when credit is due. You are the luckiest woman in the world. Make sure he, and every single person you meet, know you feel that way. Radiate love.

The man I married is the kind of man who will run out and pick me up something I am craving when I am sick, or stay home with me a few extra hours in the morning when I just don't feel like getting up, play with my hair when I ask him with a pouty-lip, or who has told me no less times than I can count on one hand. That is the man I want my friends to know. The man I love.

Happy Valentine's Day to the man who makes me the happiest woman on earth every single day... Channing Tatum. Just kidding, Brian. I love you too much. Here's to a million more candy filled holidays.