My husband turned 25 years old today.
When I was 16, there were a lot of things I wasn’t sure about. I didn’t know where I’d go to college, what I wanted to do when I grew up, or even where I’d sit at lunch. There were a lot of things I was still discovering—about myself, my surroundings, my future.
One thing I knew, though, was that I loved Chad. It was a new and young relationship, and despite the uncertainties that come with a high school sweetheart, I was quietly confident in my feelings.
I used to write Chad love notes during class. Then, I was hopeful that this tradition would last—during the summer when we would have jobs, when he’d leave for college, as long as I could find inspiration. Now, I am more thankful as ever to be able to write them as we spend the rest of our lives together, with more and more to say each passing day.
I love you, Chad. Happy birthday. This month (and always), I’m grateful for you.
25 Things I Love About My Husband
- Chad never lies, cheats, or steals, in any aspect of his life. He has never shown any inclination toward taking the easy way out, and his character remains untarnished.
- You know how some people are stubborn and refuse to change when they make mistakes? Chad isn’t like that. Sure, he’s stubborn. Very. But that just means that when he learns and changes for the better, he refuses to regress.
- An authentic smile and laugh from him feels like winning the lottery.
- With an engineer mind, Chad is a hands-on problem solver. I’m lucky to have him in my corner.
- Communication has not always been an easy task in our relationship, but every single day I’m more and more impressed. Started with one-word replies and now we’re here (thoughtful replies, as-needed updates, loving reminders, cute texts, check-ins, you name it). LOVE that growth.
- Even though he’s always been a cat person, Chad has compromised and grown to appreciate and love dogs—knowing they are important to me, willing to embrace a plan with a pup involved.
- He’s really cute. 🙂
- I used to think that Chad’s frugality was a bit much and could be restrictive. Now, it’s easy to see how much he cares about and plans for our future together.
- Chad sees the injustice of women’s clothing and, most notably, the lack of full-sized pockets. Even better, though, is that he’ll hold my phone and id and credit card when I don’t have space in said pockets.
- Baseball is Chad’s favorite sport, and it’s mine too.
- Sometimes Chad will go to the store and get me a white or caramel-milk chocolate bar, without even asking.
- Colorado School of Mines is a tough, highly ranked engineering school. He. Did. That. Not only once, but with two degrees.
- Chad is brilliant. He’s left-brained and logical and analytical. Even though my brain thinks and operates differently and is more creative and artistic, he has always treated my intelligence as 100% equal. (The same cannot be said for others who equate brain power to STEM success, or see English degree and somehow think “useless.”)
- In 2017, Chad got his first smartphone. Previously, he had a flip track phone, throughout high school and all of his undergrad. It was inconvenient as hell, but an enduring fun fact.
- Even without a ton of travel experience, Chad is open-minded. New food? New place? New experience? He’s always ready and willing.
- Have you read his proposal story? It was perfect. His vows were somehow better. Even when he is nervous, Chad can really deliver, especially when our relationship is involved.
- Breakfast in bed is great. Chad does this for me often, and I am incredibly fortunate to live in a world with easy access to his potatoes.
- Chad has never claimed to have great fashion sense and has never really been up on current trends; however, maybe thanks to Queer Eye, Chad has aged like fine wine—more and more, trying new things to impress me and JVN.
- When Chad took a “brewing science” class in college, he applied his knowledge to find me a kind of beer I would like (at the time, I wasn’t a huge fan). As soon as he learned what a sour was, he told me all about it and led me to the closest one.
- Every time we play a group game, he picks me to be on his team. Always.
- We both have a thing for french fries.
- Our shared history—especially growing up in the same small, isolated town—is priceless. I don’t have to explain the nuances of growing up in a place where everyone knows everything about each other. There’s so much we understand about each other because we lived through many of the same struggles and triumphs.
- He promised to let me take the reins on decorating our house, once we’re able to buy one.
- Our first date involved looking up at the stars, and it was all his idea. He’s sweet-natured and authentic and always has been.
- Chad is my very best friend, and there’s no question that I’m his, too.
What a terrific celebration of him! Bravo and congratulations on your great life together!
Thank you very much! 🙂
Aww, you are so sweet!
Happy birthday to your love one 🎂🎂
Thank you! I’ll pass along your well wishes 🙂
This is so cute and I can relate! I’ve been with my boyfriend since high school and we’re both 23 now. Congratulations on your love, it’s a beautiful story!
Thank you! There’s nothing quite like knowing someone completely and growing with them in the same direction. I appreciate your kind words! <3
This is so cute! Gotta love #9, a man that’ll let you use his pockets is a keeper
Thank you! And yes, seriously, especially as someone who hates to wear a purse, he’s the real MVP. Thanks for reading!
👍
Thanks for reading, Drew!
Sounds like a heck of a guy! Happy birthday, Chad!
He really is! I’ll pass your well wishes along. Thank you very much!
Happy birthday to Chad! Also, stargazing is one of THE BEST date activities.
I’ll send that along to him, thank you so much! And agreed! We’ve tried to keep that theme throughout our relationship. So wise for a teenager. 🙂 Thanks for reading, Sarah!
I’m slightly lost for words right now. This is so cute, such a beautiful list. I hope he had a wonderful birthday! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh man, thank you so much! That is so sweet to say. Thanks for reading! xx
Great read! Sounds like he has an amazing wife as well!!!
LOVE you hubband, thanks for reading 🙂 ❤️❤️❤️
What a great idea for a birthday gift. Really well thought out and genuine observations and appreciations that are personal without being too personal for us strangers to read about. I hope he has a great birthday and that you’re adding to this list 50 years from now.
Thank you so much! I always try to reach a point where I feel okay with my husband, parents, and strangers all reading. Can be a tough line to walk sometimes! Thanks for reading and for your very kind words.
This is so beautiful!! Your post just made me believe that love stories with happy endings really exist 💞 you look like such a happy and lovely couple, best of wishes ✨
Wow, that is so sweet of you to say! I’m a firm believer and lover of love, so that means a lot to hear that kind of feedback. Thank you so much for reading!
This is so sweet, and that’s great you’ve been together so long! Young relationships like that often don’t make it so really happy for you that yours did. What a lovely list 😊
Thanks! Definitely feels like a lifetime ago, that’s for sure, and involved quite a bit of change and challenge. Thank you for reading!
This is such a lovely post! 😊. It’s so lovely to show your appreciation. So romantic. I hope he had a wonderful birthday. Thank you for sharing xx
Thank you so much! It was very fun to write. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting! xx
What a beautifully sappy post! I’m not one for sap but this was really sweet 🙂 Happy 25th birthday Chad! x
Thank you for stomaching some cheesiness! 😉 I’ll be sure to pass along your wishes. x
This is so cute! We should all do this…make a detailed list of all the things we appreciate about our spouse or significant other. It’s so important to hear (or read!) those words and know you’re appreciated in a relationship!
Thank you! And I agree. I’ve noticed that sometimes I get so caught up in life that it’s so easy to pause and reflect on the things, people, and moments that matter. That’s 100% why I started a monthly gratitude series. I was happy to tie in my very worthy husband for this month’s dedication. 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and for your feedback!
This is so sweet!!
Thank you so much!
Oh this is just the most adorable post! You guys sound like you’re made for each other and I love that you’re showing how grateful you are for him like this. A date under the stars is perfect!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Thank you! Sometimes it’s nice to express gratitude for a partner with words, if that’s your thing! And yes, I highly recommend a night under the stars. 🙂 Thank you for reading and for your kind words!
This is such a sweet post and a happy belated birthday to your husband. A date under the stars sounds like a perfect first date.
It was amazing! We’ve had that as a theme in our relationship since. Thank you so much for your birthday wishes and for reading!
This is such a lovely post to read ❤️ so happy and positive about your other half – so much I read are complaints or focused on people that have been screwed over 😛
I’m so glad you liked it! I try to be (mostly) positive about my relationship on the internet, since I do mostly like him (lol) and want him to feel appreciated, but I know that many people do not hold back at all. I don’t see myself ever going that direction, but I like reading those every once in a while, just to keep me on my toes :). Thank you so much for reading!
Haha yeah I guess! I like my man most of the time too – I wouldn’t want to share the drama though 😂