The secret test to find out if you're really Mr. and Mrs. Right just may be found at a local yard sale.

 

When my husband and I decided to have a yard sale, we had no idea we'd be testing our marriage in the process. Who knew that yard sales were a true test of marriage resilience? Preparing for a yard sale with your spouse can be a wondrous experience, but it also brings up a spectrum of raw emotions between a couple.

 

"What do you think dear? Should we get rid of our old television that works only after banging on it three times?"

 

We cuddled in bed together watching hours and hours of amorous old movies, so when my husband asks about the TV, it's a difficult decision. The struggle has little to do with the actual TV set--and everything to do with kissing memories goodbye.

 

The challenge continued. As he rummaged through tools, appliances and gadgets (my definition of "junk"), I refrained from teasing. As I shuffled through mugs, dishes, plant pots, baskets and souvenirs (his definition of "junk"), he resisted making insulting remarks.

 

Together, we struggled to deal with separation anxiety, impending loss and grief. It was a seriously tough task, but it proved to be a bonding experience for our relationship. We toiled. We talked. We laughed.

 

Then, the day of our neighborhood yard sales arrived. In addition to all of his so-called treasures, he created a pile of "free" stuff: a menagerie of old tires, miscellaneous hubcaps, electrical cords and wiring, odd pieces of wood, pierced window screening and the like.

 

Husband after husband-shopper was drawn to the "free" collection like a bee to honey. Wife after wife could also be heard, shrieking, "What do we need that for?" like a bee stinging her "Honey."

 

At day's end, our yard sales profit was $238.10. The following Saturday, we went on a date with our found money. We went yard sale shopping!

 

I say, "Such adorable dishes! I haven't seen aluminum drinking glasses like these in years! This little table will be perfect for serving drinks on the patio!" (More clutter, he's thinking.)

 

He says, "I've never replaced my broken 7 foot ladder and this one is in great condition! These screwdrivers fill in my missing-size gaps! Here are the X-Box games I've been looking for! (Enough already, I'm thinking.)

 

Neither of us understands the other's desperation, but we've learned to pick our battles. Happily, we loaded up our haul, and with the $24 that's left, we took ourselves out to lunch. The deli sandwiches were scrumptious, and we shared an order of French fries and vanilla milkshake with two straws.

 

Yard sales have deepened our love for each other; we feel renewed and joyful. Another season has proven that our differences are tolerable and our likenesses breed excitement and intrigue.

Amongst the trash and treasures (for us and other couples), the best find may be that your relationship or marriage is, indeed, a treasure you can both agree on.