Boy, was I surprised at a recent dinner party! It started very simply by me mentioning that between DH and I, we don't mention the "G" word. "G" here referring to "geyser" of course.
Of course, we were then asked, why not mention geysers? Well, I think this brings us to a deep rooted issue that lies in every relationship. It can be the geyser, it can be the gas indicator needle in your car, it can be the way you keep your clothes in the closet etc. etc.
For eg., I like the geyser to be switched on for at least 20 mins and DH thinks 5 mins are enough. I drive the car to the nearest gas station when the indicator shows a gas level of a quarter tank, whereas DH typically waits for the fuel light to turn on. I have a closet that is best left closed (but, I must admit that I NEVER have enough clothes!) and DH's clothes are organized by office, lounge and party (and God knows what not!). I can go on and on and on.
Essentially, the "G" word refers to the sometimes very basic difference in the mindset of couples - that unfortunately become insurmountable as you get older.
This was further proven by this amazing couple who had invited us over for the dinner party. My mention of the "G" word was the perfect trigger for them to come up with their own subtle and not-so-subtle differences of opinion. It helped that they had at least 20 additional years of married experience compared to us and that we were laughing uproariously as we were discussing our respective "Gs". At the end of the evening, we realized an important fact - "WE ARE NOT ALONE!"
And can I tell you what a huge relief that was? It just makes it easier for me to ignore the switched off geyser in the morning (I simply switch it back on); the witty comments about my paranoia of running out of gas (I simply let him sweat it out when the fuel light comes on and the nearest gas station is a long ways away); and, the snide comments about the lack of organization in my closet (I simply keep my closet closed).
Two people are together for so many reasons that make the being together worthwhile. We all come with our little genetic make-up and personality traits. The decision to let DH be himself, while I find a sane way to stay myself, has saved me innumerable times!!
Which is why I am sharing the recipe of this delicious veggie lasagna with you. After all, what we show of ourselves on the surface, is just that, surface material. It is our hidden depths that create the lovely flavors that make our relationships so much more delicious.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Start by buttering an 8" square baking dish. Spread 2 tbsp. of alfredo sauce on the base of the baking dish. Top with 2 sheets of cooked lasagna placed next to each other. Add half the vegetables on top of the sheets and spread one third of the marinara sauce on top. Spread half the paneer on the veggies and one third of the grated cheese.
Continue the layering by adding another set of cooked sheets on the veggie and cheese layer. Pour half of the remaining alfredo sauce on the sheets and then add the remaining vegetables, one third of the marinara sauce, remaining paneer and one third of the cheese.
Finally, place the last set of cooked lasagna sheets on top, add the remaining alfredo sauce, marinara sauce and the cheese. Add some parmesan cheese, if you have handy.
Bake for 25-30 mins and serve piping hot! This is truly my very healthy and non complicated version of one of my favorite Italian meals. Best combined with a crispy salad and a buttery garlic bread!!
Everything takes work - whether it is cooking a meal or working on your relationships. The best part about both is discovering the layers beneath the surface and relishing them even more!!
Of course, we were then asked, why not mention geysers? Well, I think this brings us to a deep rooted issue that lies in every relationship. It can be the geyser, it can be the gas indicator needle in your car, it can be the way you keep your clothes in the closet etc. etc.
For eg., I like the geyser to be switched on for at least 20 mins and DH thinks 5 mins are enough. I drive the car to the nearest gas station when the indicator shows a gas level of a quarter tank, whereas DH typically waits for the fuel light to turn on. I have a closet that is best left closed (but, I must admit that I NEVER have enough clothes!) and DH's clothes are organized by office, lounge and party (and God knows what not!). I can go on and on and on.
Essentially, the "G" word refers to the sometimes very basic difference in the mindset of couples - that unfortunately become insurmountable as you get older.
This was further proven by this amazing couple who had invited us over for the dinner party. My mention of the "G" word was the perfect trigger for them to come up with their own subtle and not-so-subtle differences of opinion. It helped that they had at least 20 additional years of married experience compared to us and that we were laughing uproariously as we were discussing our respective "Gs". At the end of the evening, we realized an important fact - "WE ARE NOT ALONE!"
And can I tell you what a huge relief that was? It just makes it easier for me to ignore the switched off geyser in the morning (I simply switch it back on); the witty comments about my paranoia of running out of gas (I simply let him sweat it out when the fuel light comes on and the nearest gas station is a long ways away); and, the snide comments about the lack of organization in my closet (I simply keep my closet closed).
Two people are together for so many reasons that make the being together worthwhile. We all come with our little genetic make-up and personality traits. The decision to let DH be himself, while I find a sane way to stay myself, has saved me innumerable times!!
Which is why I am sharing the recipe of this delicious veggie lasagna with you. After all, what we show of ourselves on the surface, is just that, surface material. It is our hidden depths that create the lovely flavors that make our relationships so much more delicious.
Vegetable Lasagna
(serves 4)
6 sheets of ready made lasagna sheets cooked slightly al dente in salted boiling water
2 cups of marinara sauce (homemade using your favorite recipe)
1/2 cup of alfredo sauce (white sauce)
3-4 cups of mixed vegetables sautéed in olive oil with chili flakes and garlic and salt (I used broccoli, carrots, green beans and bell peppers)
1 cup of grated paneer
1 cup of grated Gouda cheese (you can use Mozzarella, if you prefer)
2 tbsp. parmesan cheese (optional)
Bake for 25-30 mins and serve piping hot! This is truly my very healthy and non complicated version of one of my favorite Italian meals. Best combined with a crispy salad and a buttery garlic bread!!
Everything takes work - whether it is cooking a meal or working on your relationships. The best part about both is discovering the layers beneath the surface and relishing them even more!!
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