Opposites Attract
They say opposites attract.. well that was somewhat the case with us. Todd's very adventurous, loves to be in front of people making them laugh. I on the other hand tend to be a homebody and definitely don't like drawing attention to myself. So how have we made it work for the last 26 years?? Tammy's take on it: Well.. first I had to learn to not take life so seriously. Then I had to open myself up to going on new adventures (which turned out to be some amazing life experiences for me). It would be easier to stay home and be in my comfort zone, but now I know I would have missed out on some life changing moments. There are still times when we might be on an elevator with a group of people and Todd announces he has to hurry and get back to the space shuttle or to an important surgery and I just laugh out of awkwardness and he gets mad because I've ruined his joke. But then I love how sometimes people join in on the fun and I get annoyed when other people look at him crazy . My point is my fellow homebody's or introverts.. relax .. have a little fun, get out of your comfort zone, explore this amazing world with your significant other! It doesn't have to be anything crazy like skydiving or mountain climbing.. just get out and have fun.. I promise you won't regret it and your significant other will love you for it!
Todd's take on it: Ok. My turn...One of the ways to meet your significant other halfway if they aren't adventurous, is taking the time to explore what they like. I never was the type of guy that enjoyed a quiet evening at home until I met Tammy. It's cool to sit around the fire pit with a bottle of wine and talk about life, the past and future etc. Read a book together in bed. If you're outgoing and your mate isn't, never push them into activities they aren't interested in or make them feel bad for not being outgoing. Rather, ease them into something you both agree on.
Never.. ever.. tell them "loosen up" or ask them "why can't you just have a good time?" That's not how to motivate someone you love.
If you like to hike don't start out by making your spouse hike a 25 mile trail!!!! One of the things that has worked for us is that I can be that adventurous dude that goes surfing or hiking . I can be me, BUT NEVER so excessive that I ignore what's most important....my wife and family. Everything in moderation. Balance is the key to most everything.