"i'm sorry" gifts.

I've mentioned before that Matt and I met working together.

We'd argue sometimes, even then.

I remember walking through the mall looking for "I'm sorry" gifts on a number of occasions. And he'd bring me lunch as peace offerings.

That was when we were only friends, and dating other people.

Looking back, I know we had a special bond and a unique tie from our first interactions. We were never indifferent to one another. In our subtle, non-romantic way we always worked very hard to preserve our relationship.

Through the many trials of our marriage we've had to apologize for a slew of insensitive behavior. And we've not always been in a position to give tangible gifts to express our desire to make things right. So we give the most difficult gift. We offer up our pride. We do what we must to restore our kind feelings.

I do still love the little tokens of an argument end. Yesterday it was lunch for two (with sparkling cider) while the kids watched a movie. We agreed, like we always do, on one specific point; we are very good for each other.