We're Just Different, That's All

I've heard the phrase "we're just too different" as an excuse for why two people couldn't get along.

In my mind I seem to repeat that phrase over and over while socializing with my in-laws and their relatives. TOO different. Not a challenge that's easily overcome. And yet it seems my life depends on doing just that right now.

My husband loves his family so much, as he should, and I love my own family. Isn't it only natural then that the one person we love more than anything else, our spouse, should love our family just as much as we do and us theirs? Why is it then that the universe seems fixed on making this the most difficult task ever attempted.

I love my husband + he loves his family = I am trying to do everything in my power to develop a relationship with people I've sudden found myself related to.

To clarify, my in-laws are great people. Really. I mean, they did raise my wonderful husband.

But we're just too different.

The scary thing is that when all of my insecurities are bubbling up during the in-law socials, I begin to question why my husband loves me and why I love him. How could he love someone who doesn't fit into his family? Someone who is just so different?

Every time I meet someone from his younger years they say, "We never thought he'd marry a girl like you!" I think they mean it as a compliment, but I always find myself feeling a little twinge of uncertainty, as though we're not a match for each other or something ridiculous like that.

After moments of insecurities or uncertainties, when I find a quiet spot alone, I often close my eyes real tight, try to relax enough to breathe again by listening to our song on repeat, and I think of the millions of times where I've melted with love in his arms and questioned not whether we're a match, but how I ever lived without him.

We were made for each other. Regardless of the fact that our families are so different, they made us who we are which brought us together.

He loves his family + he loves me more than anything else in the world + I love him more than anything else in the universe = He's all that matters to me, and I'll do anything that will make him happy.

Besides, I do have my secret weapon. The moment I have kids is the moment I develop a true shared interest with my husband's parents. Until then, I will continue doing my best to smile... even though I may have nothing to say.