There is absolutely no reason why you can’t use your regionalisms. And you should use them! It helps us all be multi-dialectal. (PS “tennis shoes” is also used in the South, so I was familiar with that. From that I could figure out “tennie runners”.)
Happy anniversary and Great Description of being a good spouse! I especially love the being on your side /= agreeing with you all the time. Very Healthy!
Amanda, bless you for being frank about your heartbreak/disappointment. It is a heartbreak. But I will be the first one to tell you that a childless life is still a good, valuable, and meaningful life. I was lucky: I have 2 adult male children. However, my oldest has married a woman for whom it is medically dangerous to bear a child. They have decided not to have children and have taken measures to ensure that. I will not having grandchildren from them. I’m OK with that. Am I disappointed? Yep. But I’m OK. Now this is different from your situation on a number of points, but their lives are still good and worthwhile. Not being so sad about this is a Good Thing, in my opinion. Yes, your church would like you to procreate. But if you can’t, hey. It’s OK. That’s NOT your only purpose on this earth, is it? Do not feel guilty about how you feel.