just the way you are

i heard this song the radio today. it's been playing for some months now, but when it came on air this morning, it sets me thinking. it's bruno marrs' just the way you are. the chorus goes like this....

When I see your face,
There's not a thing that I would change,
Cause you're amazing,
Just the way you are.

And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile,
Cause girl you're amazing,
Just the way you are.

this reminds me of the other song by billy joel, similarly titled just the way you are :

I said I love you, and that's forever,
And this I promise from the heart,
I couldn't love you, any better,
I love you just the way you are.

the coincidence is that both these songwriters are guys & this relates well with the observation that when a man marries, he expects the wife to remain the way she is (but often she doesn't!) & when a woman marries, she expects the hubby to change (but he, too, often doesn't!!!).

i first met my wife on christmas day 24 years ago. looking back, she's definitely changed over the years, more so over the last decade or so. i can't pinpoint the reason for the change, but it's possible that's just the way she actually is, only that i was too much in love to notice.

but i did promise that i'd love her, for better or for worse, & this vow is still binding. happy anniversary, dear & beloved wife, & blessed christmas everyone!!