One Whole Year
What has always intrigued me is anniversaries. I love asking my friend’s parents, family members, or sometimes even strangers on how long they’ve been with their significant other. Every relationship is unique, however, we all battle pretty similar situations in life. Now, I’m excited to finally have people ask me about our story together because I’ve never celebrated an anniversary before. On the outside, we’re Michael Jordan (or Michael + Jordan), the best NBA player of all time so that must mean we’re the best team, right? On the inside, we’re just two imperfect people trying to navigate this crazy year and life, together.
From the beginning, we haven’t had a conventional relationship, but I wouldn’t have it any other way..
For the first 2-3 months we did long distance while I was living in Minneapolis, and then once I moved to Milwaukee, we’ve been in the midst of a pandemic. Though we haven’t gotten to do normal things yet in ‘real’ life, I believe these two big challenges right off the bat definitely shaped + strengthened our connection.
6 THINGS I LEARNED IN A YEAR
Communication is KEY
Although I’m not always the best at this, I know that communication is so important in any relationship, romantic or not. One thing we strive to do together is let the other person know that we HEAR them, even if we don’t agree with their opinion. Seeing different perspectives is difficult, yet noticing that allows respect for the other person’s thoughts, ideas, etc.
2. Find out their love language(s)
I remember in the beginning, I made Mike take the test and he was so confused! But finding out the way you as an individual accept love is essential because we all give + receive it differently. Luckily, we both are ‘words of affirmation’ so reassurance is something we both look for.
3. Find out what you both want in a relationship to create a foundation
Discuss with your partner some key characteristics you want in a relationship in order to start building a foundation. For us, trust + honesty are a priority along with some individual characteristics we both strive to have. It’s crucial to agree in order to build and maintain a foundation.
4. Treat the other person with respect
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, sing it with me! Be the partner that respects boundaries, treats your significant other kindly, and most importantly, maintain that respect when you are apart.
5. Have fun together, laugh a lot, and make memories
Obviously relationships are suppose to be filled with TONS of love, high energy, laughs, silly moments, memories, and whatever else you enjoy together! Share hobbies, interests, traveling, etc. because it makes what you both have together unique to you!
6. CARE
Care about the other person - their feelings, emotions, thoughts, ideas, opinions, needs, desires, passions, etc. and support them through it. Being there physically or not, it is SO important. Nobody in this world wants to feel alone.
HERE’S TO US!
Together, we have sailed Lake Michigan, travelled to Missouri + Oregon (and many more in the future of course!), survived COVID-19, conquered many hikes, bowled too many times to count, made it through a surgery, ate countless pints of ice cream, and everything in between.
I’ve watched the entire 2020 Lakers season + championship, heard lots of complaining/cheering about his fantasy football team(s), met his incredible friends + family, and I can’t wait to see what we will tackle next.
To You Mike,
Thank you for always making me laugh, holding my hand through the good + bad, hugging me tight when I’m sad, taking care of me when sick, being there to kiss me goodnight, and smile at me every morning :) I know I’m SO far from perfect, but you make me feel like I am everyday. I love you so much!
Here’s to more anniversaries,
Jordan
What have you learned in your relationship, friendship, etc.? How long have you been together? What’s your favorite thing about your partner? Relationships, to an extent should be private, however, you’ll never know the reason behind those smiles if you never talk about it.