I am a terrible wife.

Okay, I might have a little drama in that title. But only a little.

That is the way that I feel sometimes.

Everything seems to be a priority. Work deadlines. Kids need swim stuff for school. Someone can't find their shoes. The title of the car is missing. Did I pay the cell phone bill? Is there enough money in our checking account?

Oh no, someone has a fever.

I really want to watch another episode of "House of Cards."

It's easy to be distracted.

It's easy to set the relationship aside.

It's easy to take those closest to you for granted.

It's easy to lose touch.

It's easy to fall asleep.

So what is the answer to all of this? Is there a magic solution? I know that I am not being a great wife at the end of the day, and that doesn't feel good.

Is it time? Is it love? Is it date night? That seems too simple.

I think the answer is finding the right partner to tackle the challenges of parenthood, careers, and all that comes in between. I think the answer is also in knowing your own strengths and weaknesses.

Of course, I also agree with the standard answers of good communication, putting your marriage first and all that. They are certainly valid answers.

But, I think that good communication first depends on the partnership you have with your significant other and what style works best for both of you. This is something that Sheryl Sandberg really taught me in her book, Lean In. It's the take-away that sticks with me.

Sharing this adventure is part of the adventure. I'm not really a terrible wife, but I nkow that I need to acknowledge my faults and seek my partners help. It continually teaches me a lot about a lot of things.

And that is not so terrible.

#lovelessons #parenting #children #familylessons #marriage #relationships #partner