Michael and Dainia Abbott

I watched this romance blossom on the track many years ago, and I'm still cheering on Michael and Dainia! Something I love about the Abbotts is that 'in-laws' don't exist for them. They love and support and are equally a part of both of their families. They both come from awesome families, but I think it also shows how open, loving and invested they are. They are grounded and dedicated to their values and I love them.

The dates and details!

What are your names? 

Michael & Dainia Abbott

When did you meet?

2009

In 8 words or less, describe where or how you met. 

Plant & Soil Science Class

What was your first date? 

Michael's Jr. Prom 2010

When were you married? 

8/21/2015

Where were you married? 

Payson, Ut

How many children do you share? 

None, but if dogs count, then one!

Getting to Know You!

When and/or how did you know you wanted to marry each other?

We knew when Michael got home from his mission seeing as our feelings for each other were still the same as before he left. We dated for several months before taking our questions to the temple and that's where we received our final confirmation that we were making the right decision.

What is something that your spouse does (something they may not even realize!) that makes your heart skip a beat and brings you joy.

Dainia: It sounds so silly, but my love language is acts of service, so when Michael does simple acts like the laundry, or the dishes, or cleans up the apartment it makes me so happy! It really is the little things.
Michael: When Dainia greets me after a long day of school and work with a hot meal it makes me really appreciate her as a partner (in crime) ;)

What did you love about your spouse in the beginning that you still love about them now?

Michael: I love that Dainia can be goofy and make me laugh even still to this day. Normally she can be pretty reserved, so when she breaks character and whips out a hick accent it can be quite unexpected and funny.
Dainia: Michael kinda stole my thunder, but I was going to say that he's still his goofy and weird self. His mannerisms haven't changed much over the years and it's fun that we can be weird together.

What is an accomplishment you are your spouse are proud of?

Dainia: It's been a few years, but I'm proud of Michael for successfully balancing school and track. He worked so hard and I think it really set the bar for a strong work ethic and how he wants to live his life.
Michael: I'm proud that Dainia has pursued her love of photography and really expanded her talent. She has learned a lot and taken many, many photos of all kinds of people and all of her pictures look awesome! She has found a consistent style and you can tell she loves what she does.

What is one of your favorite dates you've been on as a couple?

Dainia: I don't know if you can call this a date, but we went on a trip to Florida last year just the two of us. When you get married you think you're going to be able to spend all of this time together, but school, work, and life happens. It was so fun for us to be able to spend a whole week together, doing something we loved and experiencing a new place with each other!
Michael: I sent Dainia on a scavenger hunt across Monroe when we were dating. Each clue was written as a poem to lead her to the next location that had an item for hot chocolate and snacks for later that night. I waited at the track which was the final location in the crow's nest and as she got out of her car I played a song that was special to us and we danced on the track together and laid on the football field with blankets I had laid out and watched the stars.

Why Marriage Rocks

What's one thing you love to talk about when you have nothing pressing to talk about?

Anything and everything. One conversation leads to another so we might be talking about the gospel one minute and what we're going to eat for dessert the next.

What makes your marriage unique?

We agree on a lot of the same things so when it comes to big life decisions we're almost always on the same page. Maybe it's not unique, but it's definitely a plus!

What are advantages of marriage?

If one of us is weak in an area, the other is there to help strengthen it. In marriage your spouse's strengths become your own strengths. Oh, and endless movie dates and sleep overs ;)

What blessings have come into your life because of marriage?

There's always good support from your spouse. After a hard day you can come home and talk to your spouse and they just make you feel better. They're there to build you up and help you be confident in whatever you do. A spouse is your own personal cheerleader and they're you're biggest blessing for sure.

Advice

What is a positive influence on your marriage when things get hard?

Knowing we have gospel principles to fall back on. They get us back on our feet and going in the right direction. Things may not be perfect, but the knowledge that we have keeps us going and we know who and what to confide in.

If you had time to talk to newlyweds, what would your greatest piece of advice be?

COMMUNICATE. Holy cow. It's so important. You can't expect any kind of compromise or change if you can't express how you feel or what you're thinking to your spouse. Be comfortable enough to allow yourself to be vulnerable and be willing to hear the other person out. It will be more beneficial than not if you just talk about it.

If you need a little marriage recharge, what's your trick?

It may be cliche, but going on a fun date and spending quality time with each other gets us back in the marriage groove. We try to not let things get too monotonous and date night for us is the perfect pick-me-up!

As you look into the future, what do you see that will help keep your marriage strong?

Setting goals and making plans with each other for where we want to be. We see areas that we need to improve and we set goals to be better and help each other be accountable and reach those goals. Making plans, setting goals, and helping each other get there together!

What's the secret of a happy marriage?

We don't know if there's any one secret, but don't be selfish. Put your spouse first and be selfless. Almost any kind of sadness, hurt, or discouragement can be traced back to being self centered. You're not your own person any more--you work as a team and focus on the needs of your husband/wife. It really will make you happier!

What is a simple marital practice you would share with a friend who may say they are facing challenges in their marriage?

The grass isn't greener on the other side--it's greener where you water it. Put your energy and time into your partner before going elsewhere for affirmation or fulfillment. Marriage is hard. It's not rainbows and butterflies all the time. It's unfortunate because we've seen so many people our age get married and split up not even a year or two later. If you want it to last, you have to work at it and continually nurture your relationship with each other. It's work, but it's so worth it!

THANK YOU!!

If you have any other tips, tricks, testimonials or input you would like to share, please do!

Choose your love, love your choice!

"Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts out fear (see 1 John 4:18). Such love is the desire of every human soul" (David A. Bednar, More Diligent and Concerned at Home, 2009).