This is a question that many of us ponder, particularly as we get older. Sometimes the answer I hear from an employee might be, “I want to be remembered as a hard and productive worker;” from a neighbor, “as a loyal and trusted friend;” or from a parent, “that I was always there for my kids.” But I wonder how you would like your spouse to remember you?
Hmm – as you ponder that you are probably hoping that he or she will have fond memories of perhaps love, faithfulness and companionship. And yet, I see far too many who, unfortunately, may only remember their partner as an unhappy, domineering curmudgeon.
Comedian Carol Burnette was recently asked in an interview how she wants to be remembered. She replied, “That I made somebody laugh when they needed it, That at one point, when they needed it, that I made them forget – even if it is just for 10 seconds – that they were hurting.”
Now I am certainly not suggesting that you can tell a joke and erase the world’s problems. I also am not proposing that getting your spouse to laugh will resolve all of your marital conflicts. However, what I would urge you to consider is this – it is likely that your spouse married you, in part, because you had a good time together, enjoyed each other’s company, and probably shared a few (maybe lots) laughs together. But I wonder – would they say that those things are still true, or has the seriousness of life’s hurts and difficulties put a permanent scowl on your face.
The bottom line today – life is easier when we can lighten the mood of everyday challenges with a regular dose of humor. So, why don’t you try a little silliness today? Make it your goal to bring a smile to your partner’s face today. By the way, did you hear the one about the Big Brown Burly Bulgarian Bear who walked into . . . . . .”