My husband and I have several things in common. We both love our two precious girls more than life itself. We both love our Nebraska roots, movies, our families and of course, each other.

But when it comes to our personalities, well, we’re a little bit different. I use the word “little” in the most sarcastic tone.

I’m loud. I share most everything happening in my life with complete strangers. I talk too much and use my hands to get my point across. If there’s a party or special occasion happening, I will probably be noticed. I don’t always mean to be that way; it just happens.

I have a big mouth and tend to be a bit dramatic.

My husband is not loud and would rather not use his hands to get his point across. He’s not going to bring up an obnoxious topic at the dinner table, and he definitely won’t tell the world what he had for breakfast each morning.

He leaves that banter to me.

To understand how much I’ve put this guy through, we’ll need to go back to 2002, before Kyle and I started dating. I knew him through work and mutual college courses we were taking. We were paired up to do a video demonstration and had to choose the topics for each other.

I made Kyle make wedding crafts. The entire presentation was saved on video. Don’t ask him about it. He’s not a fan.

It’s not just my loud mouth Kyle has to worry about.

When my brain starts rolling and I find myself with a new idea, I always need his help. For example, a few months after we were married I asked him to help me enter a contest for a particular soap commercial. As silly as it sounds — and trust me, it was ridiculous — he still went out of his way to support me with my new adventure.

Needless to say, I didn’t get the part.

When I made my way into the TV world, his guidance helped me through my most embarrassing moments. Even when I stumbled through words on air saying “Lesbian” instead of “Lebanese” or lost my place reading the teleprompter, at the end of the day, Kyle was still my number one fan.

A few years ago when I told him I thought I’d try writing children’s books, he didn’t bat an eye. My new dream was achieved because of his support.

Last November when I told Kyle about my vision to create a new website, his words, once again, helped build my confidence.

“That’s great, Les,” he said with a smile.

For the past several months, Kyle found a way to support each of my requests. Whether it was a video element, editing help or simply an ear to listen, he was there.

I know I’m a lucky girl to have him in my life. But on April 12, I believe I finally realized how truly lucky I am.

This website launched on that day. That night during our launch party, I hardly came up for air. I was talking a lot, using my hands as usual and honestly didn’t pay much attention to my husband. It wasn’t until someone came up to me and said these few words that I finally took pause.

“Leslie, you know, behind every successful woman is a strong, supportive man.”

At that point, I looked up among the crowd and saw my husband, serving purple cupcakes to a room full of people. It was then I realized my guy would do pretty much anything for me.

I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m sure glad I found him. One thing is certain; I couldn’t have accomplished any of these dreams without his support.

And as usual, simply telling him “thanks” in the privacy of our own home wouldn’t work for me. Instead, I opened my big mouth to share my gratitude toward him with the rest of the world. By now, he expects nothing less.

Love you Kyle Means! 😉

What does your husband do that makes you blush? We’d love to hear!!

To read more columns written by Leslie, check out the Kearney Hub.