Loving Someone with Mental Health Issues: A Letter to My Husband

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about love. More specifically, loving someone that has mental health issues. I was going to write a whole post on how to love someone that has anxiety and depression but then I realized I had already written something similar (which you can read here.)  So instead, I’m going to write a blog post, or rather a letter, to my husband. He’s been learning to navigate my mental health issues just as much as I have and acknowledging that your loved ones are often impacted by your issues is pretty important I think!

It can be hard to really show your significant other how you appreciate them for all that they do when it comes to your mental health. So maybe, they’ll appreciate this letter. Without further ado, David, this letter is for you:

Dear David,

Thanks so much for sticking by my side through all the ups and downs of my depression and anxiety. I know it can be frustrating and scary at times. Please know that I appreciate all that you put up with. It’s overwhelming for both of us and very confusing for you. I see the pained expression on your face trying to figure out if it was something you did that caused my anxiety to act up. I watch you trying to come up with a way to fix it for me.

It’s sometimes really difficult to explain how I’m feeling to you knowing that you really can’t understand it. It can be really lonely and isolating. But the times when you just sit next to me and hold my hand, reminding me that although I’m fighting a battle you can’t see, you’re there to fight too. That’s really the best feeling ever!

I know sometimes you may feel angry or sad that I’m not acting like my “normal” self. I know you’ve watched my entire face drain of emotion and go blank when the depression sets in. I’m sure it can be really upsetting. I’m sure I’ve ruined a few dates and even entire weekends thanks to this and for that I’m really sorry. But still you love me and plan another amazing date for us knowing that it could happen again.

You’ve probably secretly Googled “what causes depression and anxiety” hoping to find some answers that may help you understand. Everything you find is probably not all that helpful to you and doesn’t get you any closer to understanding what’s going on inside my mind and body. That’s got to be frustrating for you! When you love someone, you want to do everything you can to make their life better. But for me, sweetheart, you can’t make my mental health issues go away. They’ll probably always be there. But as long as you’re there too, it makes living with it so much easier!

Having said all of that, I want you to know that your support and the time you spend listening to me explain how I feel makes everything so much easier. I feel like no matter what comes of my depression or anxiety that I’ll be able to live! And maybe even thrive! You and I are a good pair. And even though my mental health isn’t top notch, our world together is.

All my love,

Liz

Proof Love is Found When You Least Expect It

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Since it’s the one holiday that celebrates love and all the mushy-gushy stuff, I figured today was the perfect day to share the crazy story that is how I met my boyfriend, David! Seriously, it’s one for the books. You know how they say you’ll meet ‘the one’ when you least expect it, I can now attest to how true that can be. Love finds you when you aren’t looking for it.

About a month prior to our meeting, we had both been hired for an 8 month contract by a data analytics company in Virginia to be part of their 2015 data analytics team. The position required both of us and the rest of our team to spend a month in Fairfax training on a new data software. For David, it was a little leap of faith because he lived all the way down in Texas. For me, it was a short drive up the road from my home in Maryland. Nonetheless, we both agreed to take the job and a month later we started our training with our colleagues. It’s rather cliche, but never did I think for a minute that I’d meet the love of my life there.

I still remember the first time I saw David. He was tall, wearing cowboy boots, had better hair than me, and had a really sweet smile. He was one of those guys that made everyone feel comfortable together. It was pretty easy for him to notice me though, I was the only girl in the room! As the month went on, we got to know each other better, had many study sessions together, and shared many laughs . It wasn’t until the very last day of our month-long training that I realized how much I liked this handsome guy from Texas. And how much I’d miss him when he went back home.

Shortly after David drove back to San Antonio, we began texting a little here and there to just chat and keep up with one another. Those text messages got increasingly flirty and eventually, David asked if he could come see me back in Maryland. Being more interested in flying to Texas, somewhere I’d never been, I told him that I’d go and visit him. Thinking that I was just trying to put him off or avoid any such visit, he didn’t persist. A week later, I booked a ticket to San Antonio.

When I landed in the Austin airport, we shared our very first kiss! It was like a scene straight from a Humphrey Bogart movie! How romantic, right? That week we spent together I still consider one of the best in my life. On one of my last nights there, David asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes, obviously. Soon after I went home, he had lunch with his sister where he confided in her that someday he was going to marry me. How romantic is that? Seriously, it still makes me swoon!

Over the next few months we flew back and forth seeing each other for weeks at a time. In January 2016, we both got permanent jobs in the same city. Our long distance relationship was finally over. This June will mark 2 years together! In that time we’ve dealt with the loss of jobs, the stress of moving around, the happiness of adopting a kitty cat, and learned to understand and adapt to each other’s mannerisms. On this Valentine’s Day, you’ll find this Dallas blogger counting her blessings in finding such a wonderful guy to share my life with. I sincerely adore my David.

 

Homemade Hot Sauce Kit From Anderson Road Co.

Hey loves! I hope you had a nice weekend! I got out and did a little shopping and shared a relaxing evening or two with my David enjoying the warm breeze that was blowing through Dallas (now it’s chilly again!) Saturday morning I received a package in the mail from the Anderson Road Co. and I was super excited because it had David’s Valentine’s gift inside! Of course I couldn’t resist giving it to him a few days early so I can tell you without a doubt that he loved his gifts. Read on to see what I got him!

David is from San Antonio so when I say he loves spicy foods, I really mean it! I thought what better gift to get him than a homemade hot sauce making kit? The kit comes with two spice blends and four glass bottles for your hot sauce. Frankly, I’m quite in love with the little corks that act as bottle stoppers. The kit comes with an assortment of other kitchen tools needed to make the hot sauce as well as instructions.

When we finally get around to making the homemade hot sauce, I’ll let you know! I’m really excited to see how it turns out. There’s nothing better than making something at home and knowing that it’s made with good, safe ingredients! Here’s the link to where you can buy!

Another great Valentine’s Day gift I got for David was a set of leather bookmarks! David is an avid reader and loves to read books with historical themes. I’m seriously thankful to be dating a man who is an accomplished and well-read individual! I must admit that beyond what my mom had me read when I was homeschooled and what my professors made me read in college, I haven’t read a lot. Design books and books on etiquette and entertaining are usually my go-to choices when I do sit down to read.

One of the coolest things about these made in America leather bookmarks, is that the little loop at the top is for a pencil if you enjoy making notes in your books! How clever is that? Also, if you’ve ever walked into a leather good store like Dooney & Bourke, then you know the rich smell of leather and that’s what you get with these bookmarks. Seriously, I haven’t been able to stop smelling them! Here’s the link to the bookmarks! Enjoy!

P.S. Check the blog Tuesday for a Valentine’s Day post about how David and I met, it’s a crazy story!

Valentine’s Day for Her

Only a few more weeks until Valentine’s Day! Most of us girls get excited for this special day (unless you’re my mom who’s too practical for all of it.) I wrote this post specifically for you gals to share with your guys. It serves as a little “guidance” for them so they have a few ideas of what Valentine’s gift to get you. We all love the flowers and chocolate that’s a traditional part of the season, but in recent years men, including my boyfriend, have upped the ante a little.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Last Year, David got me a really cute Kate Spade bag for Valentine’s Day and then took me out to dinner! While not every guy is going to want to put down the cash for a designer hand bag, he knows I’m a fashion blogger and that Kate Spade is my favorite brand ever. In my gift guide, I’ve included gift ideas in a variety of price ranges for however big your Valentine’s Day will be! Remember to send your man the link to your favorite item!

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Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Guys

Can you guys believe that January is almost over? I’m literally still taking down Christmas decorations (don’t judge me) and now I’m thinking about putting up Valentine’s decorations. I love Valentine’s for so many reasons and most of them include all the pink and red things everywhere! Of course, a girl loves flowers and chocolate on this holiday, and I’m not exception to that. Sometimes I think that our boyfriends and husbands get forgotten on this day. It seems to be all about the ladies instead. I’ve come up with a Valentine’s gift list for guys to share with you today!

What to Get Your Guy for Valentine’s Day

My boyfriend, David, got me a really cute Kate Spade canvas bag last year for Valentine’s Day and I absolutely loved it! This year, I wanted to get him something nice. While I’m still not sure what I’m going to get him this year, but I have a few ideas. Hopefully, my handy Valentine’s gift guide will give you some ideas as well!

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For David, I’d love to buy him a pair of Lucchese cowboy boots (they’re pricey!) He’s a true Texan and frankly, I never thought I’d be into a guy who wore something besides boat shoes but he proved me wrong. I love his cowboy boots now!

I’ve chosen Valentine’s gifts in a variety of price ranges to fit every budget! Also, be on the lookout for my galentine’s day gift guide for your besties! I have a few fun gift ideas to share with you and I’m excited! Enjoy your day loves!