This xombyte was inspired by the couple who got engaged at the View Point Inn where my husband and I were enjoying our dinner not too long ago. The handsome young man was on bended knee when he asked the lifelong question and the beautiful young woman answered breathlessly with a yes in front of us all. It was very sweet.

My husband of seventeen years and I looked at each other, held hands across the table and smiled. Then he told me I had a little something in my teeth.

That, newly-engaged-couple, is real love. It's full of honest observations, little white lies and an appreciation of hygiene. It's about a longevity that comes from those real moments that sealcoat the vain fractures of an early-stage relationship.

Here is just a tiny, tiny glimpse of the Q & A's of our marriage over the years, but I won't tell you who is Q and who is A:

Q: Do my feet stink?
A: Yes, they really do. Jeez, change your socks.

Q: Honey, OMG, is that your morning breath?
A: Sorry, babe. It's reenacting Clash of the Titans with your morning breath.

Q: I'm not watching boxing again. Isn't there anything else on?
A: Just a few more rounds.

Q: Do I look fat in these?
A: Even if you did, I would never tell you.

Q: Both kids went to 7-11!?!?
A: Seriously? What, that's fifteen minutes...let's go!

Q: I really don't like watching boxing. Can we change the channel now?
A: It's almost over.

Q: Gravity is really nailin' me here.
A: I'll catch you when you fall. And you will fall.

Q: Can we just lie to get out of this dinner?
A: I won't tell if you won't tell.

Q: I don't want to go to work today.
A: Then don't. I won't either. We'll stay home.
(Then we both get up and get ready for work.)

Q: How many freakin' rounds are each of these fights?
A: Just a few. This guy's gonna go down soon.

Q: Can you really see my gray hair?
A: Ummm.....no. Well, maybe. Now that you mention it...

Q: Are you gonna make me watch the highlight reel of the stupid boxing match?
A: Yes, but it's not that long.

Q: Will you love me forever?
A: Yes, morning breath and all.

Then I'll watch boxing with you.
OK.