John and I were only dating 2 weeks when we started talking about marriage. We realized that we balanced each other so well. I am boisterous and impulsive and he is quiet and calm. John is the ultimate gentleman and even to this day will open my door and always lets me go into a room first. We always loved to make each other smile. We agreed to keep our plans a secret at the time because we knew that my parents would not want to hear that their 17 year daughter was planning on marrying the 23 year old guy that they just met. Also, we both knew that I had to at least finish high school and get some type of advance education or training.
We learned very early in our relationship how to block out other people around us. On our first date he asked me, “Are you planning on going to the junior prom?” I knew that this was my moment so I said, “No, do you have any better ideas?” Screaming in my head, “Ask me out!” and then he said, “Well, do you want to go to the movies with me that night?” and we did. I told no one about the date except my best friend. After the movies, we went out to have pizza and we were holding hands when a bunch kids from the prom came in and saw us! We were shocked and as they walked past our table they would say, “Hi, Sharon. Hi, Mr. Contini.” Our secret was out. John was a teacher at my school. This was the beginning of being the center of people’s interest but 37 years ago people were more opened minded.
John and I have had a 35 year marriage that is like a honeymoon that has never ended. We have survived three boys, organ transplant surgery, buried all of our parents and our one son at age 18. We finish each other’s sentences yet instinctively know when to get out each other’s way. My heart stills skips a beat when he calls or glances my way. Neither one of us fears death as now we tease who will get to see our son first but while we wait we are still holding hands and making each other smile.
Are you bored with you partner? Stimulate your relationship.
