Mr. and Mrs. Trent Hargrove, today, September 8, marks our 40th wedding anniversary.
How do two introverted people stay married for 40 years? In the 1920s, psychologist Carl Jung used psychological concepts such as introverts and extroverts. According to Jung, introverts go within for inspiration, whereas extroverts actively seek social interaction to replenish their reserves.
I agree that we are both introverts, but I don’t quite fit the introvert label. I show the qualities of being an introvert as well as an extrovert. An ambivert is someone with both personality traits.
Studies show that two-thirds of people don’t strongly identify as introverts or extroverts. Ambiverts are more prominent.
Signs You’re An Ambivert:
I, for sure, align with the ambivert personality. I like to relish my alone time but schedule activities to connect with others and be social. My favorite get-out-of-the-house traditions:
Summer Alfresco Dining
Philadelphia Flower Show
Afternoon Tea
Fashion or Art Exhibits
Longwood Gardens
Jazz Concerts
Self-Care Spa Visits
On the other hand, my husband is active in his fraternity, Club 21, and volunteers for various boards and foundations.
Pretty much we are opposites:
♥ He’s a saver, and I’m the spender
◊ He’s quiet, and I’m sometimes loud.
🥃 He’s a half-empty glass, and I’m a half-full glass.
🏡 He likes to stay home, and I want to go out mostly to be social
Above all, we understand we have a covenant relationship together in marriage. We know that God honors marriages. Is everything perfect? No!
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Proverbs 3:3-4
So here we are, September 8, 2024, 40 years later, celebrating a wedding anniversary. Except for a romantic dinner at Rubicon, we won’t celebrate until next week, along with my birthday. Stay tuned to see our destination celebration.
During our 40 years together, we have enjoyed traveling within the U.S. to Florida, Atlanta, Miami, California, Dallas, and the Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui). We have also ventured outside the U.S. to Mexico, the Western Caribbean, Paris, Spain, Portugal, and Canada. My favorite vacation places are Napa Valley and the jazz cruise to Aruba.
What I’ve learned after 40 years of marriage:
Develop patience, acknowledge your faults, and remember you can’t change anyone. There is no perfect marriage. Saying “I love you” never gets old. I am thankful our union produced two wonderful adult people, Channing and Tyler.
Finally, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Thank you for staying with me here at The Age of Grace. I appreciate you.
P.S. Aniversary photos by Shannon Claire Photography