When A Mustang Marries a Buick

*You can ask my children what my husband and I fight over. They will tell you: **cars and fences.***

Recently, we've had not-seeing-eye-to-eye discussions over cars. We drive cars we can afford. They are older and are purchased at no-debt cost. That's not the problem. The problem is our taste when we have to buy one.

**Our choice in cars mirrors our personalities. **

My husband and I are as[ different as night and day](https://brendayoder.com/2011/06/16/complementary/). He's like a Buick, steady, solid, dependable, comfortable. He loves cars just like this. Ones that don't stand out in a crowd. It drives me crazy.[](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/02/when-a-mustang-marries-a-buick/driver-and-limousine/)

While I value solid and dependable, if I'm going to drive something, I want something sporty, sleek, and not-so-comfortable looking. Which probably explains why I wear high heels and play basketball against fifth grade girls even if I end up in a knee-brace. **I like adventure, movement, living outside-the-box**. I don't want to be purely comfortable and solid until I can't move anymore.

[](http://brendayoder.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/scan0001.jpg)That's me with our short-lived ragtop. It cost as much as our mower.

**So when a Mustang married a Buick, how do you compromise?**

In twenty-three years of marriage, I've learned compromise. My Big Fat Greek Wedding describes the different worlds that collided when I married Mr. Buick. This is what I've learned along the way.

- **Compromise balances extremes**, smoothing rough edges and making weak edges strong, making a better, more complete unit.
- **Compromise brings out the best of both parties,** making each one's differences poignant, yet accepted.
- **Compromise speaks love to your children**, modeling tools of a healthy relationship.
- **Compromise models strength.** Strength of character, strength in setting boundaries.
- **Compromise is selflessness without giving up dignity.**
- **Compromise requires courage**. It requires giving up complete control and trusting the other party.

While compromising over cars is not a big deal, when it happens,** it builds my confidence and trust in my husband, and his in me.** It strengthens the foundation of our marriage in times when big compromises become deal makers or breakers. **It gives voice to biblical leadership that displays partnership, not a dictatorship**. It gives a gift to our children that we are committed to each other and our marriage, not to self and our rights.

**So, what does compromise look like when Mustang marries a Buick?**

It means there are two Buicks in the driveway, a Honda in the garage, and a minivan for sale.

But you'll only see me driving the Honda. High heals, knee brace, and all.

And as for the fences? There's a picket fence in front of our garden.

But that's another story.

There's still time to enter the giveaway for Isn't It Time for A Coffee Break by Amelia Rhodes. Details [here. ](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/03/eggs-muffins-and-a-coffee-break/)

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