Weddingbee Blog

Be sure to check out all the posts in our Relationship Series here!

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What’s the biggest lesson your SO has taught you? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taught your SO?

Mrs. Mouse - The Dude has taught me that sometimes it’s not worth it to get mad over the little things. He is very laid back and generally believes that things “always work out in the end”. Call it karmic synergy, call it lazy—either way it’s a peaceful way to live. He’s also taught me to appreciate football and different styles of music (like blues and indie rock) that I didn’t pay as much attention to before I met him.

I’ve taught him the importance of eating healthy and getting exercise. I’ve also helped him to branch out and try things that he didn’t think he liked, such as traveling and eating sushi. I’ve tried to instill in him a great respect and love for Beyonce, but I’m not sure it’s worked yet.

Miss Snow - Mr Snow has taught me the joys of taking risks and the importance of not sweating the small stuff (even though I still do quite frequently).

When I asked Mr. Snow, he said “the opposite of what you said I taught you”. Ha! I think that means I’ve taught him how to be more empathic and the importance of planning ahead.

He also says I taught him an appreciation of the finer things in life, but I think we both learned those together through our relationship.

Mrs. Penguin - Mr. Penguin continues to teach me lessons in patience and kindness (I haven’t fully learned yet, but it definitely gets easier with age). I always admired that in Mr. Peng’s friend circle, he is well respected. People don’t really make fun of him, even though he runs in a circle of sarcastic jokers. But it’s because he thinks out situations, is even keeled, and always treats people with kindness. There’s not really a lot to poke fun at, while the rest of his friends all have their flaws: quick tempered, too meek, to dominating. I admire Mr. Penguin’s role in his friend circle and would love to learn how to be like that! (I’m definitely one to be quick tempered, and am the butt of a lot of jokes!)

I think I’ve taught Mr. Penguin to stand up for himself a little more. He’s a people pleaser when it comes to relationships, but is sensitive enough that you can tell when someone hurts him, it affects him. I think I’ve tried to teach him to speak up when he’s not comfortable with how he’s treated in a situation. This is important in our relationship, too. I am quick to say hurtful things to Mr. Penguin, and I almost need him to say, “This is not OK” to me, or I’ll go on and say things I know I’ll regret. So it helps me, and it helps him, too.

Miss Frozen Yogurt - I’ve taught Mr. Fro Yo to branch out and try new things. He’s very routine oriented, but I think it’s good to break out of your comfort zone every once in a while. I think he’s appreciated it. Like the Dude, he’d never had sushi before I took him, and now he wants to go all the time.

He’s taught me to say sorry, and admit when I’m wrong when I need to. Yes, I should have already learned this, but I’m so stubborn and HATE to be wrong. I’m still learning not to spin things when the blame is put on me, and accept responsibility, but it’s hard.

Miss Trail Mix - Mr Trail Mix has taught me to take responsibility for my actions and not blame things on the situation… it was not an easy lesson to learn, I will say that but I’m glad it happened.

I think I’ve taught him to have more grace and compassion for people and to be a little bit gentler with people’s feelings… I hope, anyways!

Miss Moonbeam - Mr. Moonbeam has taught me patience (a little bit anyway) and I’ve given him some common sense lessons in life. His mother took care of everything and since I’m not going to do that, there are a few things he has to figure out. But he’s certainly trying and learning.

Mrs. Mary Jane - Mr. Mary Jane has taught me how to be more patient, and how to be a better listener/communicator. I like to think that I’ve taught Mr. Mary Jane to be more confident in his abilities, opinions and actions.

Miss Ramen - I think the most important lesson that Mr. Ramen has taught me, probably unwittingly, is how incredibly SELFISH I am. I know, this sounds strange - but just bear with me.

I’ve always thought of myself as a naturally giving and unselfish type of person - but now I realize I do tend to look out for myself first… so I’m learning to love him unconditionally and to see how I can be a good wifey for him instead of how I can change him to be a good husband to me. He’s also taught me to be more patient (how funny is it that we almost all said this!), encouraging, and optimistic. I’m not like Sunshine Susie or anything, but I’m not as Debbie Downer as I used to be.

I think that I, like most of my fellow bees have stretched my Mr. Ramen to try new and different things! He’s a very responsible, straightlaced kind of guy - I’m the girl who loves tattoos, piercings (if it wasn’t for Optometry school, I’d still have my nose pierced!), and being crazy and trying new things. He used to “hate” seafood…. but now his fave 2 dishes that I make for him are salmon+soba and seared ahi tuna salad. He listens to waaaaay more hip-hop (he’s more of a band/rocker/alternative kind of guy), will attempt dancing (for me), and he dresses SO much better. I think I’ve also boosted his self-esteem (the whole older-woman effect) and made him a little more assertive, outwardly affectionate and expressive.

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What lessons have you learned from your SO? What lessons have you taught him/her?