Our version of LOVE!

It all started in 2001 at a house warming where Sadiq and I met. Sadiq wasn’t quite invited but aimlessly ended up there that afternoon. He was in the neighborhood visiting a friend and they decided to join in on the festivities. The housewarming was held outside, so no they didn’t just randomly walk into someone’s home (weird). I don’t remember how Sadiq and I started talking but I guess you can say the rest is history.

Without going into details Sadiq and I took a short break then rekindled our relationship in 2004. We spoke one day after Jumah (prayer service). He invited me to his office on Wall Street one Friday evening. It was roughly one or two days before Valentine’s Day. I recall it being cold that winter night the temperature dropped significantly. I wore a suede and leather jacket from Daffy’s (best store ever) and bell bottom jeans. I wasn’t aware Sadiq made reservations for dinner that evening I was impressed I must add. We typically do not celebrate Valentine’s Day however the gesture was thoughtful. We had dinner at Morton’s Steak House in NYC.

The following week I became ill with a cold. I was babysitting my niece and Sadiq came by to bring me some medication. We spoke just about everyday for hours and started planning life together. To be honest I was little nervous about how fast the relationship was moving but continued to fight through the feelings. I remember going to the movies one Saturday afternoon which we did quite often Sadiq whispered in my ear, “You know you are going to be my wife.” I still get butterflies when I think about it. Sadiq is a man who know exactly what he want and is determined to get it.

So long story short we have been together for nineteen years now and married eleven. Believe me you it’s not an easy task. We have to work daily to get the picture perfect photo you all see on IG or FB. If you don’t believe me ask Beyoncé, Denzel, your grandparents, mother, etc.

What have we done to make this relationship work. Well nothing special all I can say is Work, Commitment, Communication, Datenight, Comedy and Laughter. Sadiq love comedy so to hear him laugh make me laugh. We usually watch Saturday Night Live every week if I don’t fall asleep. We are always learning, planning, sharing our aspirations, and goals together.

Marriage is a life long journey! It is about growing old together and fostering common goals and beliefs. The feelings and what attracted us to each other early on will unlikely hold us together. Its up to Sadiq and I to figure out how to keep the marriage going and the fire lit. Quotes to leave you with:

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”  

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person”

“Even successful marriages there are times of doubt, but what holds couples together is an underlying love for each other”

“My heart is ever at your service”

“Promise that you’ll always honor his or her needs and point of view”

“May she share everything with her husband, including the housework” ……………….MY FAVE!!

Xo,

Alghashiyah