Relationships Are All About Compromise, Which Is Why I Got a Tattoo of Just One of the Menendez Brothers

Any successful marriage is grounded in compromise. Without mutual decision-making, how could two people possibly craft a life together which reflects each of their hopes and desires? Thats why my Valentines Day gift to my husband this year was getting a tattoo of only one, and not both, of the Menendez brothers.

Our marriage has been a bit rocky recently and I worry my impulsivity may be to blame. How could you do that without asking me? is an unfortunately common question in our household.

Those of us in long-term relationships are surely familiar with that sentiment, as well as the many pointed remarks which typically follow: You shouldve consulted me first, That was a load-bearing wall, Youre lucky the zoo is dropping the charges, etc.Heeding the advice of our court-appointed marriage counselor, it was my goal to find a Valentines Day present that would reflect my newfound commitment to deference and restraint. But what gift would show my husband that I was finally willing to place our relationship over my own interests?

More importantly, could it somehow also involve my lifelong obsession with the Menendez brothers?Talk about an obvious two birds, one stone scenario. It just so happens that I have spent years planning a commemorative tattoo of the Beverly Hills siblings best remembered for the brutal 1989 murder of their wealthy parents.

Something about their classic fairy tale story really resonated with me; in fact, the only reason I managed to hold off for so long was a nagging fear that my husband might not approve of a massive tattoo of Erik and Lyle Menendez riding down Rodeo Drive on a bicycle built for two. Thats when the light bulb went off: what a perfect opportunity for a compromise! Sure, as originally planned, it wouldve been an amazing art piece (and a serious conversation starter).

But for my marriage, Im willing to do anything. And that includes settling for a modest neck tat of Erik, all by his lonesome, rollerblading on a beach boardwalk over a tasteful inscription that reads Too blessed to be stressed. Its true what they say: it really is better to give than to receive!

Im not stopping there, either. I already signed us up for that couples bowling league and I think its time to build that man cave hes always wanted. And wait until I tell my hubby that Ive even come up with a solution for the holidays that proudly recognizes our interfaith marriage: this year, we can celebrate Hanukkah and the Purge.

I guess you could say that, when push comes to shove, my husband is more important to me than Lyle Menendez. Or, as my tattoo artist put it, Thats only enough money for one brother. RELATED QUESTION Which custom lighting design manufacturers would you choose to work with (as in, your preferred list of custom lighting design manufacturers for new projects, renovations, and/or construction of a new home and/or commercial property) and why?

Residential and commercial lighting are different products. You do not give a reason for wanting custom vs. off the shelf products.

A unique custom lighting product is backlit onyx and hinoki wood walls, desks, columns, and stairs by GPI Design of Cleveland. The onyx and hinoki veneer are sandwiched between glass. Boyd Lighting is a San Francisco Bay Area maker of high end lighting.

Phoenix Day is another Bay Area custom manufacturer. Holly Hunt is a collection of custom lighting manufacturers. Working with a lighting designer will save you time and money while guaranteeing your project will meet codes, function, and look good.