‘Ready, Freddy?’ ‘I suppose, Rose!’
DEAR ANNIE » You recently asked readers to write in to respond to the question “What do you love most about your partner and why?” I am a pretty lucky lady! Sometimes, I feel like pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’ll call us “Fred” and “Rose” to tell our story.
Fred and I met later in life, after many years of single-parenting and hard work. We were coworkers who became friends long before we dated. I was content to stay single for the rest of my life, but somehow all that changed after we started dating. Five years later, we had a big outdoor spring wedding. Family and friends alike commented that it was about time! We met in 2009, started dating in 2014 and were married in 2019.
What do I love most about Fred? He is very genuine, sweet, kind and caring. He lets me be me and never tries to change me or control me. Our relationship is a partnership with shared responsibilities.
He is a great father of four boys. Two of his boys are adopted from the foster care system. And he loves them like they are his own. When I learned this about him, I fell even more in love with him.
He loves my two daughters as if they were his own. He’s so very proud of them, and it really shows. My heart melts when he introduces them as (SET ITAL) our (END ITAL) daughters. He loves my grandsons and son-in-law, too.
He loves to dance! He loves to wrap his arm around me, and I get so swept away. I’ve always wanted a man who loves to dance. We get so wrapped up in each other that sometimes we don’t even notice the music has ended.
We hold hands everywhere we go. I love how much he loves to do that. So many men wouldn’t dare hold hands. I don’t understand why not. It doesn’t make a man any less manly. And us women really long for that kind of affection. Sometimes we even skip together like a couple of giggling kids.
Every meal is a reason to celebrate. We clink silverware or glasses for each wonderful meal. Our friends and family members have come to expect it and even started this tradition themselves.
I love doing so many things with him, such as road trips, camping, hiking, watching movies, holidays, shopping, even cooking, cleaning and farm chores — you name it. He is always ready, willing and anxious to join me in doing almost anything.
This paints a rosy picture that our days are perfect, and we get along great all the time. Just like any couple, we do have to work on communication and mutual respect in our relationship. But he’s easy to talk to, and we always work things out. I love him dearly, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of our lives!
“Ready, Freddy?” “I suppose,
Rose!” — Rose Loves Fred
DEAR ROSE LOVES FRED » Your romance sounds like something out of a movie. The gratitude you have for each other and the all-out celebration of life and your relationship is something to cherish. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us.
“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette - is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http:// www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.