Okay, so let’s talk about marriage. 🤯 You know, that thing we all dreamed about as little girls, imagining the perfect fairytale wedding, the prince, the happily ever after. Fast forward to reality, and it’s more like, “Who left the toilet seat up again?” and “Why is the laundry basket overflowing?” 😂 But here’s the thing: marriage is an art, not a science. It’s messy, beautiful, and sometimes downright confusing. And honestly, that’s what makes it so worth it.
Let me start by saying this: marriage is not for the faint of heart. It’s a partnership journey, and like any journey, it has its ups and downs. I remember when I first got married, I thought, “Okay, we’re in love, we’re committed, this is going to be easy.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Love is the foundation, but it’s not enough to sustain a marriage. You need communication, patience, and a whole lot of humor.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that marriage is not about finding the perfect person. It’s about loving the imperfect person you chose, flaws and all. And trust me, we all have flaws. My husband, for example, has this habit of leaving his socks everywhere. I mean, everywhere. It used to drive me crazy, but now I just laugh and toss them in the laundry basket. It’s a small thing, but it’s a reminder that marriage is about choosing your battles.
Another thing I’ve realized is that marriage is a constant work in progress. It’s not something you can just set and forget. You have to nurture it, invest in it, and sometimes even fight for it. And that’s okay. In fact, I think it’s beautiful. It’s like a garden—you have to water it, pull out the weeds, and give it sunlight. And when you do, it blossoms in ways you never imagined.
Communication is key, but it’s not just about talking. It’s about listening, really listening. I’ll admit, I’m not always the best at this. Sometimes I’m so focused on getting my point across that I forget to hear what my husband is saying. But when I do listen, really listen, it’s amazing how much closer we feel. It’s like we’re on the same team again, working together instead of against each other.
And let’s not forget about the importance of intimacy. No, I’m not just talking about sex (although that’s important too). I’m talking about emotional intimacy—the kind that comes from sharing your hopes, fears, and dreams with each other. It’s about being vulnerable, even when it’s scary. Because when you’re vulnerable, you create a deeper connection, and that’s what keeps the spark alive.
Of course, marriage isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. There are days when you’re so frustrated you could scream, and days when you wonder if you’re even on the same page. But those are the days that test your commitment, that make you stronger as a couple. And when you come out on the other side, you realize just how much you’ve grown together.
So, here’s my advice: don’t be afraid to put in the work. Don’t be afraid to have the hard conversations, to laugh at the silly moments, and to cherish the quiet ones. Because at the end of the day, marriage is about partnership. It’s about navigating life’s ups and downs together, hand in hand. And honestly, there’s nothing more beautiful than that.