Hey there, lovely ladies! Today, I’m diving headfirst into the wild and wonderful world of marriage – the dynamics, the journey, and all the in – betweens. You know, marriage is like a rollercoaster. Some days, you’re soaring through the clouds, feeling like you’re on top of the world with your partner. And other days, well, it feels like you’re plummeting downwards, wondering what on earth happened.
I remember when I first got married. I had these rose – tinted glasses on, thinking that everything was going to be a fairytale. We’d have candlelit dinners every night, hold hands while walking on the beach, and never have a single argument. Spoiler alert: it didn’t quite turn out that way.
One of the first things I realized is that communication is key. I mean, we all know this in theory, right? But in practice, it can be a whole different ballgame. There were times when I’d be frustrated about something, but instead of speaking up, I’d bottle it up. And then, one day, it would all come spilling out like a volcano erupting. That’s not fair to your partner, and it’s definitely not good for the relationship. I learned that it’s so much better to have those small, honest conversations early on. For example, if your partner forgets to take out the trash for the third time in a row, instead of getting mad and saying, “You never do anything around here!”, try saying something like, “Honey, I noticed the trash has been piling up. It would really help me out if you could take it out when you get a chance.” See the difference? It’s all about the tone and approach.
Another aspect of marriage that took me by surprise was the need for personal space. I always thought that being married meant we’d be together 24/7. But as it turns out, both you and your partner need time to do your own thing. For me, that’s reading a good book in a quiet corner of the house. For my partner, it’s playing video games with his friends. And you know what? It’s perfectly okay. In fact, it’s healthy. When we come back together after spending time apart, we have new things to talk about, new energy to share.
And then there are the big life decisions. Buying a house, having kids, changing jobs – these are all things that can put a strain on a marriage if you’re not on the same page. We had a long discussion about buying a house. I was all about a cozy little cottage in the suburbs, while my partner was dreaming of a modern apartment in the city. We had to sit down, really listen to each other’s reasons, and find a compromise. In the end, we found a townhouse that was the perfect mix of both our desires.
Marriage is also about growing together. You and your partner are both evolving as individuals, and it’s important to support each other through those changes. When I decided to go back to school to pursue a new career, my partner was my biggest cheerleader. And when he wanted to start a fitness routine, I was right there, encouraging him every step of the way.
There are also the little things that can make or break a marriage. The way you say “I love you” in the morning, the hugs and kisses throughout the day, the shared laughter over a silly joke. These small gestures can strengthen the bond between you and your partner. And on the flip side, the little annoyances – like leaving the toilet seat up or not putting the cap back on the toothpaste – can build up if not addressed.
But through all the ups and downs, one thing remains constant: the love and commitment we have for each other. Marriage is a journey, and it’s not always easy. There will be times when you want to pull your hair out, and times when you feel like you’re the luckiest person in the world. But if you navigate it together, with love, respect, and communication, it can be the most beautiful adventure of your life.