Today’s Featured Couple is Bill and Britney!
Every couple has valuable treasure hidden in their relationship. The Spouse Dates Featured Couple Interview is designed to “mine” some of that treasure in order to share it with you.
As you read Bill and Britney’s story I hope you find a gem, jewel or golden nugget that will be encourage and inspire you in our own marriage!
Bill and Britney have been married for one and a half years and live in Lakewood Ohio. They would like to have 4-5 children eventually, but not until Bill is done with his doctorate! For now they live together with their two cats, Yetti and Pumpkin. Britney is a wonderful writer and has a blog on Blog Spot called “When You Give a Girl Grace”. Be sure to check it out.
How did you first meet?
We met in high school and became good friends between junior and senior year.
What was your first date?
In 2010 on New Year’s Eve we went on a dinner and a movie date. Later that night after watching the NYE celebration with my parents, had our first kiss to ring in 2011 under the moonlight and stars. My father is very traditional, so after Bill had an interview with him about dating and the family rules, we started using the boyfriend/girlfriend terms and 2 years later Bill proposed in the exact same spot. We started planning the wedding while Bill was still an undergrad at OSU and married shortly after graduation.
As a couple, what is something you have struggled with or a difficulty you have overcome? How would you encourage other couples that may be facing the same challenge?
I would say our biggest struggle, along with many couples, is communication and learning how to resolve conflict. Bill tends to get fired up and wants to argue until the conflict is resolved whereas I tend to be more reflective. I like to not talk during heated moments and come back once we have both reflected and calmed down. Each way has its pros and cons but we both agree that we settle conflict better when we are calm, sit down, and talk to one another empathetically face to face.
Another issue for us has been learning to make time for one another with all that we do and our busy schedules. This often leads to a lot of conflict and the best way(s) we have found to solve this are to make it a priority to set aside time for one another along with learning to love/appreciate each other in the little moments of each and every day.
What is a quality that you think drew you most to your spouse?
He has always been a hard worker, mentally and physically. I always feel like I’m a part of a team when I do things with him, and I think that’s what makes a joint life & marriage work! Whether it is house work, money things, decisions, we do it all together.
What was your best date ever and what made it so outstanding?
Bill: For me, our best date was our honeymoon. We stayed at an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana for a whole week and got to do so many fun tours, excursions, and events. Having unlimited buffets and being able to relax and do whatever we wanted with no worries was the best feeling. I will remember it forever!
Britney: I’m not sure if I have a favorite date, but the best ones are definitely ones where we laugh a lot. I love hearing his laugh, so I see it as a goal to get it out of him. His laugh makes me laugh!
What are some marriage resources that have helped you build a better marriage?
Bill: Reading and studying scripture has been the biggest help for me. Often times with so much reading and studying to do for school the last thing I want to do is sit down and read another book. However, learning to love the way Jesus loved has helped me become a better husband. We’ve also had a lot of friends and family who married before us, so watching them grow and develop in their marriages has helped me to realize what characteristics I do/don’t want for myself as a husband
Britney: Agree that watching those before us go through marriage events has helped us tons with how we act and live our lives. Their daily on-goings have helped us decide if we want to live in certain ways or not with each other. Worship is also a big teacher for me. When I spend more time in worship it grows my love for Bill, gives me energy to be happy and helps me complete the mundane necessary daily tasks.
Tell us about an “Aha!” moment that has helped you become a better spouse.
Bill: I am naturally a problem solver and someone who wants to help fix things. When I finally figured out that sometimes Britney just wants me to listen and give her hugs instead of offering advice and solutions, my mind was blown. Having the ability to sit, listen, and sympathize/empathize is a quality that can improve all aspects of life including marriage.
Britney: I’ve learned that there’s a difference between being lovingly honest and being brutally honest; all honesty is not created equal, nor is it helpful. It’s not fun being on the giving or receiving end! I’ve learned to communicate when necessary, bite back the little things that I can fix myself, and say things in more loving way.
If you could go back in time and give your newlywed selves one piece of marriage advice, what would that be?
Bill: Don’t get caught up so much in what needs to be done and checking things off your to-do list. A strong work ethic is important, but learning to slow down and live in the moment with your spouse is crucial to a lifetime of love and happiness. Your wife is the best thing that has ever happened to you, learn to cherish every second with her.
Britney: Don’t rush the time. A house and kids will be here soon enough, but this work & school-filled time is just the two of you, so spend it wisely! Its busy but its precious.
When you think about your future together, what are you most excited about?
I think both of us would say we’re most excited about what our future house full of kids will look like. We’re excited to be parents who grow together and watch our family grow with us. Also, all of the travelling we will do!
If you found an idea that encouraged or inspired you, be sure to pass it on!
Share it with your spouse, a friend or even in the comments below.
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