Getting Hitched

Latest County Marriage License Seekers

“You make me want to be a better man”- Melvin (Jack Nicholson) to Carol (Helen Hunt) in “As Good As It Gets”

If you’ve seen the movie and recall the character played by Nicholson this seemingly romantic quote has plenty of context. Melvin has a long way to go to be even somewhat tolerable as a human being much less a person to be in a relationship with.
His statement is touching though, and maybe a bit telling about what it means to be in love.
 The self improvement quest he describes seems far different than wanting to excel at a sport or develop a talent that draws admiration or even just being well thought of by others. It’s not about him. It’s about her.
Perhaps the desire to be a better person isn't even aimed at wanting our lover, significant other, lifetime spousal companion, etc. to like us more since, hopefully, we’re already pretty assured they love us.
Maybe it’s because when we love someone we feel like they merit the best we can deliver to the person who most deserves it.
 Robert Heinlein once said “Love is the condition in which the happiness of the other person is essential to your own."
Well said Mr. H.
(And by the way, I loved “Stranger in a Strange Land”).

Here are the couples who have recently signed on to bring out the best in each other.

Kenneth Charles Stroven, Fremont  &  Jean Burre Vallespin, Muntinlupa, Philippines  

Todd R Nagel, Newaygo  &  Shayna S. Sabin, Morley

Nicholas Barrett, Newaygo  &  Turea Gardner, Newaygo

“A good marriage is where both people feel like they're getting the better end of the deal.”- Anne Lamott,  Joe Jones

​