Tag: relationships

Suck It Up, Buttercup!

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

My advice to my teenage self would be to suck it up, buttercup! Why? And where did you hear this from? Well, I probably heard it but never paid any mind to it when I was young. It wasn’t until after I had been working and in my 40’s did it really catch my attention. A co-worker who used to be a high school math teacher came to work in our office. She said this all the time, and the meaning of it still did not hit home until recently.

Let me tell you that this saying is now a running joke between my husband and myself. Whenever we have to put up with something challenging (well, I can’t say challenging but just harder because we are older), we will just say, “Suck it up buttercup!”

I thought this would be the makings for a good song. I have never heard anybody ever sing it, and I have never heard anybody try to ever explain what it means. So here it is! My version of what it means to me.

Behind the lyrics, Verse 1 is about how when I was learning to ride my bike, I would fall down and scrape my knees. No telling how many bruises I got from it, but each time, I would just get up and try try again. I remember this one time when I was 13 years old before I started 9th grade, that I was just peddling on the side of the highway and not giving no attention to where I was going or what was in front of me. I just remember turning to look behind me for some reason, and the next thing I knew. I was flying over the handlebars onto the asphalt. I had a 2 inch gash right below my left kneecap on my left leg for 2 months. I don’t know if there was anything in it or not, but I remember it really hurt. All mom did was put antibiotic cream on it and covered it with gauze. I didn’t go to the doctor or anything. Back in the 1980’s, there was no running to the emergency room for every little thing.

Verse 2 is about working at a job that you don’t necessarily want to do but you have to do to make ends meet. My current day job kind of fits into that category but I still do like what I do and no, I am not going to share that information, at least not at this time.

Verse 3 is about cleaning the house. Now, my mom kept a clean house with three kids. Granted, she did not work outside the house, but she still kept it clean and we never went out to eat. It had to be a really special occasion. I do work outside the house, so keeping house is not on my priority list, but it still gets done.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy this little song. Please! Please! Won’t you go to my YouTube channel and subscribe if you haven’t already and give me Thumbs Up! I would greatly appreciate your support my friends.

Celebrate National Marriage Week in Arkansas

The House of Representatives acknowledge the institution of marriage as a healthy and stabilizing force for good in society and recognize February 7–14, 2025, as National Marriage Week.

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=HR1006&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R

As you know, this website is titled Married in Arkansas. I want to share information about being married as much as I can. Our regular session for 2025 is in session. I found a bill that was introduced, red and adopted, and is a do pass. The bill number is HR1006, and it is to recognize February 7th to the 14th as National Marriage Week. So hooray! We get a whole week to celebrate marriage.

It states that marriage is the foundational relationship for all of society. Good marriages are the bedrock of strong societies and strong families.

Based on academic research, married people tend to have healthier lifestyles and longer life expectancy. They also have more wealth and economic assets. Healthy marriages decrease crime, domestic violence, abuse, poverty, juvenile delinquency, and suicide risk. The research suggests that children raised by both parents have better educational outcomes. They are more likely to obtain college degrees. These children do better academically and emotionally.

Building a Strong Marriage: Why Your Partner Matters Most

Marriage thrives behind closed doors, built on teamwork, communication, and prioritizing your partner above all else. When life gets messy, a strong foundation carries you through. True strength isn’t in appearances but in the love, trust, and quiet commitment you share—because a thriving relationship starts where no one else can see.

The Strength of a True Partnership

In this post, I want to talk about what my website is all about. I want to share ideas, advice, and facts with my readers. So, first of all, thanks for coming to my page. Marriage is one of the most beautiful and challenging journeys you can embark on with someone. It’s not about perfection. It is not about public appearances. But about the unwavering commitment and love that form the foundation of your relationship. A foundation should be built and nurtured behind closed doors. In this post, I want to share some reflections on what makes a strong marriage and why your partner should always come first, even above the demands of work and other external pressures.

1. Your Partner Comes First

In the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to let work, hobbies, or even social obligations take precedence over your relationship. But at the end of the day, your job won’t hold your hand when you’re sick, comfort you during hard times, or celebrate your victories with genuine joy. Prioritizing your partner means ensuring that your love and commitment remain at the center of your life, no matter what else is going on.

When one of you is sick or struggling, the other naturally steps in to pick up the slack—whether it’s managing the household, taking care of the kids, or simply being there as emotional support. This kind of partnership is what makes a marriage strong. It’s about being a team, always ready to carry each other through life’s ups and downs.

2. The Importance of Communication

Good communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in marriage is to ensure that my partner and I are always on the same page. Nothing is more embarrassing or frustrating than finding out that someone else has discussed something with your spouse that you haven’t even talked about yet. These moments can create confusion and misunderstandings that are easily avoided with open and honest communication.

Take the time to discuss plans, decisions, and even small daily updates with your partner. Make it a priority to come to agreements together, so there’s no room for miscommunication or outside interference. This not only strengthens your bond but also shows others that your marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding.

3. A Strong Marriage is Built in Private

It’s easy to project a happy image to the world, but true strength in marriage isn’t about public appearances. It’s about what happens behind closed doors. This is where you build your foundation, where love and trust grow, and where challenges are faced together without outside influence.

In a strong, healthy marriage, decisions are made as a couple, and disagreements are worked through privately. No one outside your relationship truly knows what goes on in your home, and they don’t need to. The important thing is that your foundation is solid and built on love, respect, and a shared commitment to each other.

4. Recognizing Toxic Relationships

While this post focuses on healthy relationships, it’s important to acknowledge that not all marriages are built on a solid foundation. If one partner is mean, abusive, or unwilling to work toward a strong and healthy bond, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. No one should feel trapped in a toxic or harmful environment. If the foundation of your marriage cannot be rebuilt, seeking help or leaving may be the best path to a healthier future.

Final Thoughts

My marriage is a partnership like no other. We are there for each other, communicate openly, and we have built a life together that no one else can touch. We do not let anyone see anything that happens behind our closed doors. It’s in those private moments together that our true strength of our relationship has formed over the past 31 years.

Your partner is your best friend and the most important priority. To build a strong marriage, remember, isn’t about appearances; it’s about the love, trust, and commitment you share, no matter what life throws your way.