AKA Mom Magazine Relevant content and topics for today's modern women
By Stephanie Green
The popular sitcom The Office ran for 9 seasons, from 2004 to 2013. From day one, viewers watched receptionist Pam Beesley and salesman Jim Halpert grow from awkward office friends to happily married with children. Some may not believe in love, but the plot line created for Jim and Pam showed a more realistic, believable version of love that we can all yearn for.
Honesty
During season 9 fans held their breath as Jim continued to keep a large – and life-altering – secret from Pam. It nearly destroyed their marriage as both struggled to understand and work around the others’ personal and professional goals. Of course, we know that none of this tension would have collected if the couple had remained honest with one another. Honesty keeps the door open for swifter solutions to what would otherwise turn into a larger problem.
Understanding & Compromise
The couple, throughout the series, understands the needs of the other – is this a fairy tale? During the jokes and the quirky moments, Jim and Pam remain on the same page. Sometimes this understanding means knowing that you cannot agree, but must instead compromise. Compromise is an important part of a lasting, life-long partnership.
Friendship
While it’s true that your spouse does not need to be your very best friend… it does help. From the first episode, Jim and Pam have had a solid foundation of friendship. Even after marrying and having children they are able to joke and play with one another. After a few years, kids and work, flirting with your partner may seem silly – but it’s necessary. It helps both people remember why they decided to marry.
Admit it: Marriage is Tough
Marriage can be tough and it may always be a work in progress. It is up to those involved to make it a happy place, and that is what we have learned from Pam and Jim. Life happens, and it can be very difficult to balance parenthood, a professional and personal life, and marriage. However, through these three lessons in love meet the hard times with love when things come falling down. Jim and Pam did not have a fairy tale love, but fairy tales are not reality and reality is something we all could use a bit more of.
