What's changed?

Today my parents celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary. 37. 37 years with the same person, day in and day out. 37 years of ups and downs, 3 kids, 1 grandkid, a dog, several cats, a guinea pig, some fish, a chameleon, and I think a hampster.

My parents met on a blind date. (In today's world: internet dating.) They were both teachers in the same school district, and the principal at my mother's school told her that she might want to get to know my father, who held season tickets to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. According to my mom, the only reason she agreed to go out with my dad is because she hadn't seen the BSO perform. 6 months or so later, they got engaged, and on June 20, 1970, they were married. My mom was 23, and my dad, 25.

I am 27. I am single. The longest relationship I have had lasted 1 year. I haven't had a boyfriend in 3 years. Talk about the apple falling pretty far from the tree.

I look at my parents' relationship, and still hope that when I do get married, I can celebrate my 37th wedding anniversary. They drive each other crazy from time to time (or most of the time), but they've stuck it out. And quite honestly, I can't imagine either of them being happy with anyone else.