Congratulations on your marriage! Marriage is a beautiful commitment between two people to spend the rest of their lives together. While marriage can certainly be a walk in the park, it also comes with heartache and troubles along the way. There are a few key points to remember as a newlywed couple to keep things as beautiful and as peaceful as possible.
You are different people
There is one thing that a couple tends to forget to bring into the married life, and it is so important to keep this in your pocket. You are different people. As cliché as that sounds, it is true. You will not agree on everything but it is important to know from the beginning, and then the compromises will flow ever so easily. Not only will you oppose one another on issues, but occasionally you will fight about the issue at hand. It is important to note that you will need to rank which issues you are willing to compromise on and which issues are concrete and not being swayed. Keeping a list of issues personal to you ensures that compromising on some of the issues further down the list will keep the trade-offs easier and fair. The difference is not all bad; it brings diversity into the marriage and paves new roads along the way. Marriage is a wonderful journey full of surprises.
Sort out the little things
Now let me break this one down before you flip your hair on this tip. There have been one too many fights about who is cleaning the dishes, who is taking out the trash, and who will help Johnny with his homework tonight. Marriage is full of the little things. Sorting out the little pieces at the beginning makes for a smooth transition into marriage. Write down priorities if you must, a verbal understanding works just as well if you prefer, but make sure there is an agreement on the priorities. You don't want to fight about dishes while you're hungry, or after you've worked a long hard day. Knowing what to expect from day to day between the two of you makes things a lot easier in the long run.
Slow down
Today's society encourages doing everything as swiftly and efficiently as possible. But marriage isn't about being the quickest. Take the time to slow down from day to day. Don't rush into situations if you are not 100% sure that you are ready for them. If you don't think you can handle a mortgage now, and you are comfortable with renting, continue renting. Just because Susie from your high school reunion is closing on her third house does not mean you have to rush out and close on a home too. A rushed marriage creates a feeling of uneasiness. Slow things down, take a break, and go on a few small and intimate dates. Try taking dates in a quiet environment, away from crowds of people. Invest more of your time in your marriage, and less on the outside influences, to strengthen your marriage.
Marriage is a wonderful bond between two people. Marriage is an adventure with its own joys and troubles. Keeping your lives together and in order helps to keep things running smoothly for the duration. Don't forget you are two different people coming together as one. Sort out the little things at the beginning and the big things will fall together undeniably. Slow down and enjoy each other's company. Have a wonderful life full of laughs and love.