Kiss Me, Darling
It’s a tough call on which one is grosser to my kids. My 7-year-old’s poop jokes or Fred’s and my kissing.
Both elicit the same response.
“Ew, gross!”
Despite their reaction to them, our daily smooches won’t be going away any time soon – and unfortunately neither will N’s potty jokes.
Truth be told, things haven’t always been this way. Earlier in our marriage, we weren’t as affectionate. I enjoyed playing hard to get, but that was a game my husband didn’t want to play – and neither did I once I realized I was pushing him away.
Thankfully with age – and three kids — came wisdom, and now I know that there is strength in feeling connected to my husband. Some days his hugs and kisses are the only affirmation I receive. And when the kids are constantly bickering or the mess is piling up on the kitchen island that little bit of encouragement can make the difference between a stressed wife and a content one.
So while I realize my kids are “grossed out” by old people kissing (even my 3-year-old says “yuck” when we kiss), I also take seriously my responsibility to teach my kids what a marriage should look like. That means days filled with tender embraces and laughter as well as squabbles about who takes longer getting ready for church (for the record, it’s not me!).
So I hope as I embrace my husband whenever he enters or leaves my presence (plus lots of times in between), that I am sending a message to my kids that your spouse and your time with him should be treasured whether it causes your kids to gag or not. And who are we kidding, the more they gag, the more fun the kiss is.
- Kim
Kissoholics Anonymous
In college, Kim and I worked as editors of our school’s yearbook. It was a good campus job that paid well and allowed us to use our talents. We really enjoyed working together and being able to spend so much time with each other. Throughout our shifts, we’d express our affection with hugs and kisses.
Apparently, our PDA didn’t go over well with the rest of the staff. Our Editor-in-Chief called a meeting to discuss the situation. Kim and I sat on one side of the room while the rest of the staff surrounded us. They all complained that our displays of affection were making them uncomfortable. Kim and I were a bit surprised by this intervention, but we agreed to tone it down.
Kim and I continue to openly show our affection towards each other. However, the complaining parties aren’t a group of college kids, they’re our own kids.
Kim and I always greet each other with a kiss, slow dance in the kitchen, and embrace on the couch while watching television. The kids often try to wedge themselves between us or push us apart. When Kim and I pucker up, we’re greeted by a chorus of “EWWWWWWWWW!” My two younger sons snicker in the background while my daughter rolls her eyes.
Although they find our PDA disgusting, we refuse to “tone it down.” We believe that it is important for our children to see their parents express love for each other. It is our intention to model a healthy, loving relationship for our kids even if they think it’s gross. Besides, I know that our hugs and kisses give them comfort and a sense of security.
- Fred
Questions: Are you affectionate in front of your children? Were your parents affectionate in front of you?
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