according to wikipedia, “In military or police operations, the rules of engagement (ROE) determine when, where, and how force shall be used. Such rules are both general and specific, and there have been large variations between cultures throughout history. The rules may be made public, as in a martial or curfew situation, but are typically only fully known to the force that intends to use them.”
according to kamee june, “in marriage or commitment operations, the rules of engagement (ROE) determine when, where, and how love shall be used. such rules are both general and specific, and there have been, in fact, large variations between cultures in terms of the ROE throughout history. the rules are made public, even though for some they are interpreted differently, but are typically only fully known and understood to the couple in love who intends to use them.”
rule of engagement one: promise to always make each other laugh, no matter what this life might dish you. find laughter in the lining:
rule of engagement two: take risks, knowing you always have each other as a safety net. don’t be afraid to get wet or take a chance. the adventure of life is so rich. the adventure of life is so rich and so colorful with the one you love by your side. carpe diem! hold hands and jump!
rule of engagement three: be still and listen. this is a busy time and your life together will only get busier as you add more to it. stop. be near each other and listen to the needs of your hearts. you are what the other has got. nothing over shadows the ability to listen, really hear, and genuinely try to understand.
rule of engagement four: compromise. it is both of you getting married. what do you both want? how can you make those wants happen? remember to focus on each other and your specific wants. don’t allow the wedding plans and others’ desires for your day to tower over the two people who found each other in this big, big world!
rule of engagement five: be present. it is easy to wish yourselves married, but then you have missed out on the excitement of planning and the anticipation of the big moment. find joy in the process and happiness is the journey of planning a day you will never forget.
rule of engagement six: be honest. always. withholding anything from the one you love will immediately trap your heart and head. be free of the burden by making a commitment to honesty. the light shines on couples who seek to have integrity and truth in their relationships.
rule of engagement seven: commit. don’t wait until you are standing before him/her at the alter. the day he pretended to stumble, but really was proposing was the day you both promised the be the most important person in each other’s life. the day you said yes and accepted a sparkling gift was the moment you promised to love him forever. commitment is married to love.
rule of engagement eight: rely. she will hold you up. he will help you weather your storms. she will be your strength. he will be your true north. believe in each other and the strength you have found.
rule of engagement nine: remember. remember you are perfectly imperfect, and that’s what makes this whole process and the adventure of marriage so challengingly worthwhile.
haley and matthew, may you always be engaged in each other.
thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this time in your life. xoxo kj
ps any rules of engagement i forgot? leave them in the comments section along with some love for this couple embarking on one of life’s coolest adventures!!!