This past June marked ten years of marriage to “the good husband,” as I call him. And, wow, did he ever live up to that title on this anniversary. He completely surprised me with a trip to Europe, including a visit to my relatives in Italy. He planned the entire thing without breathing a word of it to me. (And in case you’re wondering, I made him a slide show as my gift. He kind of outdid me in the gift-giving category this year!) In his honor, I’m bringing back a post a wrote two years ago. Here’s to all the “good husbands” wherever they are and wherever they come from!
I would like to state right off the bat that I love my country and I’m all for buying American. I must also be honest, however, and admit that there are times when you have to tap the international market to get the best quality. You shop around, you do a side-by-side comparison and sometimes, from cars to computers to cardigan sweaters, you find the import stands head and shoulders above the U.S. product.
I speak from personal experience in the domestic vs. import debate regarding one item in particular, the husband. I have had one of each and I can tell you there is simply no contest. The import outperforms the domestic on every level imaginable, which is even more impressive when you consider that I got the domestic husband straight out of the box—although, in retrospect, I believe he was actually a damaged return passed off for new—while I picked up the imported husband second-hand. Obviously well-crafted of quality materials, husband number two’s sleek exterior and finely tuned motor showed not a sign of wear–and eight years later, they still don’t.
The import ticks all the expected boxes: loving, intelligent, funny and willing to carry heavy things and kill large insects. But, more importantly, many features that the domestic model lacked—with disastrous consequences—came standard on the import. Fidelity, integrity and honor were all part of his package, no upcharge, no fine print, no exceptions.
In matters of care and handling, again, in my experience, the import takes top honors. He is the very antithesis of high maintenance. A regular supply of love and tenderness with an occasional Snickers bar thrown in is all it takes to keep him running in top condition. Capably and dependably he fixes everything from broken doors to broken dreams without being prompted. The essence of stability, he displays none of the prickly moodiness and unpredictability that plagued the domestic model from the get-go.
And so in this instance of domestic vs. import, the hands-down winner is the import. I realize, of course, that there are plenty of good domestic model husbands to be found out there, but, unfortunately, that was not my experience. If I have to come up with one complaint about my imported husband, it’s that it took so long to find him. But, he surely was worth the wait!
Bouncing back from a broken romance is one of life’s most difficult challenges. If you’re in that situation right now, your bouncy “boing” probably feels a lot more like fallen-flat “splat.” But, you really can bounce back. In fact, you can bounce higher than you ever imagined and gain a whole new perspective in the process. Let me know how you bounced back from a broken heart. Or if you’re having trouble bouncing back, what is the biggest obstacle preventing you from doing so?
Sounds like you got yourself a keeper!
I think so, Renee. I don’t expect to be making another trade! 😉
A man like that? You’re blessed. Mine is a good one, too. Considering our 26 year break, it is always a miracle when I stop to think about it. Yes, we’re lucky girls!
Yes, we are. And I just love telling other people your story. Full circle love!
Love this so much, Lee. I’m still on my homegrown American husband, but its good to know there’s an international market for single friends. Hilarious.
You stick with that model, girl. I think it was a good year for husbands! My daughter’s friend is so funny. She always says, “Hey, you guys made fun of me for still going to camp every summer when we were teenagers, but we’ve gotten two husbands out of the deal so far!” She and my daughter married guys the friend met through Scout camp. The market place is quite varied these days. 😉
LOVED this Lee – loved your take on the whole imported vs homegrown thing and love that you’ve found such a wonderful man to share the rest of your life with. And LOVE that he surprised you with the Europe trip!
Thanks so much, Leanne! He’s a pretty good one. And the trip was amazing. I hadn’t seen my cousins in years. It was such a special gift. <3
Sounds like you found a good one :). Your broken romance comment is so true I live it every day :).
I done good this time around. And I think both you and I are in a much better place now, Skipah!
My domestic is even from Michigan. They may have stopped making good cars…but not good men. I love your love note. And I’m sure the slideshow was great as well.
Damn straight they make good men in Detroit! And in my defense of the cheapo–but from the heart anniversary gift–I also made him a Shutterfly photo book after the trip! 🙂
Congratulations on your anniversary to your “good” husband. I’m 11 years married this year to my “good” husband. I wouldn’t say that ex husband was bad but “not as good”! Loved the domestic/international comparison though …. both of mine are English, but “good” husband is a quarter Italian 😊👍
Yay for the domestic models–although to me he would be an import! I’m 100% Italian, but assembled in the U.S., so I’m kind of a hybrid!
I fully underwrite this – I am also married to an import – far outperforms the local product!
Ha ha, I’m so glad your import is performing well also!
I am also married to an import Lee. Patrick was born in New Hampshire. I never let him forget he is not a true Mainer. At any rate, I am so happy you found this wonderful Columbian man who has been such a quality upgrade for you and treats you as wonderful as you deserve.
You and I did good with our imported finds! And we did just as good with finding each other, my friend!
I don’t even know him & I love Jorge just from your posts! & advice taken – look for imports! Got it!
Now, I’m no accountant, so if there’s some kind of tariffs involved, I can’t be responsible!
He is truly the keeper. I just crossed state lines for the second husband, but oh so worth it.
Gosh, interstate commerce, were there any tax consequences? So happy you got a good one! 🙂
Congrats on finding a snazzy imported husband. Sounds like you got a good import that’s well built and sleek on the road!
Should I make a joke about it being a good ride now? 😉 Well, it is! LOL!