I replaced three bathroom faucets last week. One was dripping. The second had previously been leaking, but I repaired it a few months ago. The third, identical to the others, hadn’t leaked yet, but I figured it was just a matter of time until it started leaking too. Plus, I have seen many other faucets that look much better than the 1990s builder grade style I had.
I purchase three faucets I liked and spent several days installing them. Like many of my DIY projects, it took longer and didn’t go as smoothly as I’d anticipated.
Every time I use my new faucets, it makes me smile. They look fantastic. They function perfectly. They are kind of cool and fit in my aesthetic preferences. And, I did it myself. I am proud.
While I was working through these installations, I started thinking about all of the other things I’ve done to my home over the past 6 years:
- Installed new flooring, windows and doors (I had to hire people for these projects).
- Refinished the bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
- Replaced all cabinet hardware.
- Replaced all the door knobs with levers.
- Installed keyless deadbolts.
- Framed out my mirrors.
- Upgraded light fixtures.
- Painted accent walls, woodwork, trim, closets and doors.
- Outfitted my garage as my home gym.
- Cut down a tree and did some minor landscaping to make maintenance easier.
- Painted the fridge and microwave.
- Replaced the stove and dishwasher.
- Repaired running toilets and installed quiet close seats.
- Decorated my home with new furniture, drapes and artwork that I painted.
- Replaced two rain gutters.
- Repaired damaged siding.
- Built custom frames for my artwork.
I could add dozens of other projects I did on my home over the past 6 years.
The key is that I cared for my home. I love the results of that care. Some results are aesthetically pleasing. All are functional. I see and use them everyday. My home has become a part of me.
Yesterday, while taking a break from working on the last faucet, I thought, “I love my home.”
It occurred to me that this is exactly how I have fallen in love with my girlfriends, my wife, my pets and, in a different way, to my jobs and my friends.
I see them frequently. I care for them. I do things for them. I appreciate them. I notice the good in them. And then one day, I love them.
That’s my secret for falling in love.
Care for someone, spend lots of time with them, do kind acts and appreciate them. If they are the right fit (or even simply close enough) it’s almost inevitable.