One of the miracles of life is the difference between a man and a woman. Why there are such massive differences is frustrating and fascinating. I’ve been married for 15 years to my woman. Only now do I sometimes feel like I understand her needs.

Some of the things I’ve learned:

• Just being nice is a big deal.
• Don’t listen to her and check my iphone at the same time.
• Recognizing her beauty and telling her about it makes both of us happy.
• Put my dirty clothing into the clothes hamper. Not next to it.
• Letting go of small irritations is really hard but a good plan.
• Always get her a birthday gift. (I only forgot once, but she’ll never forget)
• Asking her opinion and not getting mad if I don’t like it is hard, but worth it.
• Always love whatever she cooks.
• Never try to make her understand something when I’m mad. Because taking back harsh words is almost impossible.
• Take care of the yard. Just do it.
• She’s delicate, be careful with her.
• Make breakfast for the kids as often as possible. She loves that.

• A nice surprise once in a while is important.
• Be happy about picking out, loading on top of the car, cutting a piece off the bottom and putting up the Christmas tree.
• Smile when I see her.
• Help out around the house.
• Buying new clothing for makes her giddy.
• Buying new furniture for her makes her ecstatic.
• Don’t go to sleep without telling her first.
• Saying “I want to talk to you about something” gets her supreme attention.
• Take out the trash without being asked.
• Take in the trash bins.
• Never complain about “girls night out”. It’s not worth it.
• She likes going on a date with me. She really likes when I have a plan for our date.
• Don’t complain about the cost of a great meal on the date.
• Let her decorate as much as she wants for the holidays.
• Just accept the flowers in my bedroom. It’s not my bedroom anyways. I just sleep there.
• Be happy about extended family activities.
• Girls just wanna’ have fun.
• I still have so much to learn.

I’m lucky to have Samantha in my life. It’s awesome.

-I took this photo when I was experimenting with Ilford 3200 speed 35mm film. It’s great stuff.