Bonding

Austin and I went and took a 2 day vacation away for ourselves this weekend. Nope, we're not married. Yes, we stayed pure. We just needed time to bond away from the stresses of the world around us. We went down to our wedding location to look around at different little spots for the wedding, and we used the excuse to have a night away. Our wedding destination is 7 hours away from where we live, and it was quite the drive there. We drove 14 hours just to get the 18 hours of solace. We had time to talk and goof off in the car, relax, nap and just be ourselves. It was the most fun we've had in such a long time. Something happened in this trip. Austin and I got to have time alone. We didn't have to pretend to be something we weren't because we were with each other. He knows me better than anyone else. He knows my deepest secrets, fears, aspirations, and I know his. We were able to bond in such a deep, intimate way! It was spectacular!! There's something about being in a place so far away that has no phone service, no computers, no media that is so refreshing. There were things we needed to talk about that were much nicer topics in the safety of trees and rock. We walked over 12 miles between Saturday and Sunday. My fiance is Superman. He carried his backpack, tent, a yoga mat, and a Camelback all by himself up rocks and cliffs, and then when we were done, he built a tent, and hiked right back down. The sweat along his brow, the determination in his face was fierce. It was absolutely fascinating. I am so proud of my man. Austin is the kind of person who won't back down when he wants something to get done. He's also very soft-spoken, caring, kind. He takes time away from situations to think over them. I'm a spit-fire, and a stubborn one at that. He completes me perfectly! God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave me this wonderful man. Austin and I are huge on quality time. We were in a long distance relationship for almost two years, and it was hard on us. The fact that he took the time to drive us down somewhere far away just for 18 hours alone with me is huge! He wanted to bond with me. Sunday evening when we came back, we were all smiles. Taking time to be alone with your spouse is one of the most important things you can ever do. We had a personal Bible study for over 3 hours on Saturday. Austin can be SO passionate about the way he feels when it comes to God. I love to watch him worship and pray. He's such a wonderful leader in our relationship, and being alone nourished that part of him. You and your man can have a great relationship while being around other people, sure! But take time for yourselves every once in a while. We've decided recently to make sure and take a trip alone every two months before the wedding to just be "Austin and Shea" not "Austin the audio engineer/student/son/brother/friend/confidant/fiance and Shea the ballet dancer/physical therapist/student/big sister/friend/confidant/fiance/blogger." Spend the money to do that. Even if you just pack up a tent and go, that is totally fine! Camp in a national park and bring along granola bars or something! Just do it. The outcome following that in your relationship is staggering.