Devotion vs. Affiliation
So it appears we have some big time traveling decisions to make in the coming months. Being that my wife and I are big time believers in community service organizations, every year our respective organizations call on us to travel for regional and national conferences. Hers requires attendance in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. this March and July, respectively.
Her regional conference in Philadelphia happens to be the same weekend of my birthday in March. Now while I am cool with visiting Philadelphia, I will admit that I’m a little selfish when it comes to my birthday, as it will be another first on the list of “First _________ as a married man.” In addition to that, the MEAC basketball tournament is the following week, and it’s a favorite past time of mine to attend, particularly since I haven’t been the last two years.
That’s March. In July, I have a conference in Houston that overlaps her conference in Washington D.C. That’s not so much of a big deal, as theoretically we can accompany each other to both. On the other hand, July is a special month as it will be our one-year anniversary and her birthday is in July. We both would like not to celebrate those two important dates within the frame of a fraternity or sorority conference.
Oh, and we don’t want to spend the money on all of it, either.
So what’s an engaged young couple to do? Pick one? Attend both separately? It’s proving to be confusing all the way around. None of it has led to an argument, and I don’t think either of us see it going that route. However, it’s an interesting scenario. In an effort to maintain individualistic affiliations and interests, how does it impact our relationship?
Either way, the clock is ticking on spring, and cheap airline deals.
