Word of Wisdom for the Newlyweds...

Since a lot of my friends are getting married or recently got married...I felt this post was sort of "timely". Granted I am not a master or pro at marriage (nor will anyone really ever be, no matter how old they are or how long they have been married), and really what do I know?...I've only been married to Husby for a little over 2 years and together almost 5 years the end of this year, but I feel there is some wisdom I can pass on that I have learned in my short life as a Mrs.

::::::Drum roll, please:::::

Wisdom 1: Never underestimate the power of love.

It does magical things and will get you through some of the most difficult times in your lives. No matter what.

Wisdom 2: Never go to bed mad or angry or upset at one another.

Not only does it lead to a night of terrible sleep, but it starts the next day off on a bad note and typically tension and silence; two things you should never wake up to when you are near your love.

Wisdom 3: Don't sweat the small stuff (and that includes the flaws in Mr. Wonderful, your spouse)

Who cares that he forgot to put his shoes away or leaves dishes in the sink (one of my biggest pet peeves about Husby)...will the world come crashing down? Ultimately not! Is it an inconvience to have to pick up his shoes or trip over them in the morning or have to add the dishes to the dishwasher in the morning? Yes, but you will survive.

Wisdom 4: Which follows W3, establish ground rules when living under 1 roof.

So you are a neat freak (like me at times) and cannot stand a pile of dirty dishes or cups lying around. Make it known that you cannot stand it and wish Mr. Wonderful would clean up after himself. In most cases, if you ask, men will try to meet your needs/demands. Be willing to do favors for him as well. Maybe he hates how you do something and wishes you would stop.

Wisdom 5: Be willing to compromise. 

C-O-M-P-R-O-M-I-S-E. Say it with me. Each should give up one "bad habit" and make a conscience effort to follow through and really give it up.

Wisdom 6: Make time for one another.

Maybe you have fun by cuddling on the couch after a long day, or going for a walk, or cooking together. Whatever it is, make sure to always pencil that into your busy schedules. It does not need to be a grandiose event, just something simple as a time where you two can be close and the only thing in the world pressing at that moment is your relationship and you two.

Wisdom 7: Keep a date night.
Once again, it does not need to be a swoon-worthy event, but make one day or evening a specified date night for yourselves each week. It can include taking a walk on the beach or playing mini golf or seeing a movie or a quiet movie night at home. Some of our best date nights are the cheapest evenings we spend together. Typically, they are not every week, but we strive for every week. If you only fit in 1 a month, so be it. Life is busy, but make sure you do not let it wrap you up and miss our on growing your relationship and bond stronger.

Wisdom 8: Admit when you are wrong.

It's ok to be wrong, just remember to admit it. No one is perfect and if they say they are, then they are lying.

Wisdom 9: Explore one another.
Try to learn one new thing about your significant other each week. Make it a game or whatever, but find something new or unique about them each week.

AND LASTLY....

Wisdom 10: Find the humor in life.

One thing I have learned about my relationship with Husby is that we have many flaws, but together we are a very strong, united front. We have our rough days, but we get through them together and that is the most important thing about those days. In the 4+ years we have been together, we have grown together. We have learned to look past our individual flaws and work to better ourselves together. Nowadays, we make fun of ourselves (and one another) for our flaws. We are comfortable together, and this allows us to make fun of one another. I know I can pick on Husby for his snoring or his forgetfulness to put the dishes in the dishwasher, because at the end of the day he knows I am not mad at him for it, and it is likely I will do something he will make fun of me for (like going behind him and cleaning up and moving things on him-one of his biggest pet peeves about me). Be a united front together and the troubles in life will be less troublesome. If you allow a wedge to be built between you two, then your problems will only be bigger and more challenging.