Not an itchy birthday

Seven years ago today, I married.  It was the day before my 26th birthday. 

They say that in the 7th year of marriage, people get "itchy."  They get restless.  They start looking for a way out.  They get divorced.

The U.S. census in 2011 cites the average length of marriage is 8 years.  Couples seem to file for divorce around the 7 year mark, and then complete their divorce in the 8th year. 

Why?

Statistics say that around 7 years is when people are burnt out on caring for young children, there are burgeoning financial pressures, and there is an accumulation of negative experiences or incidences that come to a boiling point. 

People who are unhappy in their marriages generally know that within the first few years, and then take a few more years to get to the state of divorcing. 

I am the product of divorce.  I know how painful it is.  Divorce is an epidemic in my family.  Each of my grandmothers was married three times. 

My parents survived the 7 year itch, only to get divorced at the 10 year mark.  But, they each re-married and have been remarried for over 20 years.  I have great stepparents as a result.

Tygh's parents have been married for over 35 years. 

I have no shame in saying that Tygh and I do not have a perfect marriage.  But, we have a very good marriage.  We are teammates.  We genuinely enjoy one another.  We "get" each other. 

So, on this milestone anniversary, and the day before my 33rd birthday, Tygh, I salute you:

      "You are my rock.  You are my touchstone.  You keep me grounded.  You support me.  You love me, and all my idiosyncricies.  It's been quite a journey to get where we are now, and I'm genuinely very excited for what lies ahead.  We have been so blessed.  We have two amazing, beautiful children.  We have a roof over our head, food on the table, and careers we enjoy.  We have family that love us, and friends that stand beside us.  

       I love you."