To embark on the journey of marriage, partnership, or any enduring relationship, you must cast aside the illusions painted by romantic films. The reality is that you’re committing to share your life with someone who will unearth all your flaws—and might even remind you of them from time to time.
Take my partner, for instance. He doesn’t express his affection through bouquets, chocolates, or extravagant jewelry. Instead, every Sunday night, he whips up the most incredible dinners—think hearty pots of chili verde, tender smoked ribs, rich French onion soup, roasted veggies, or homemade apple crisp. His culinary creations begin with marinating in the morning, and by the time dinner arrives, every bite is a testament to his love for me.
Insights About Marriage
Here are some insights I’ve gathered about marriage over the years:
- Marriage is enduring a documentary on gold-mining, all while resisting the urge to throw the remote control.
- Marriage is a gentle nudge to get off the couch and exercise, even when you’d rather indulge in a donut.
- Marriage is giving someone the finger when they turn their back.
- Marriage is anticipating the perfect Monty Python quote for any situation, despite never having seen the show.
- Marriage is trying to avoid discussing the kids during date night, but inevitably failing.
- Marriage is recounting how you both ended up together, albeit poorly, at dinner parties.
- Marriage is playfully scaring your partner just for kicks.
- Marriage is finding someone who can synchronize their eye-roll with yours during social gatherings.
- Marriage is getting uncomfortably warm while cuddling but choosing to stay like that a little longer.
- Marriage is biting your tongue instead of saying, “I told you so,” even when you’re itching to.
- Marriage is making chicken soup happen—even when it feels like a chore.
- Marriage is walking hand-in-hand down an unfamiliar street in the rain, finally stumbling upon a pub, and realizing there’s no one else you’d prefer to be with.
- Marriage is admitting when you’re wrong and having someone lovingly point it out.
- Marriage is forgetting how many times you’ve had to get up to find the butter.
- Marriage is bickering over taxes.
- Marriage is those sleepless nights spent together, dealing with kids’ illnesses, unexpected noises, tussled blankets, and the occasional snore.
- Marriage is that rare night when the kids are at their grandparents’ place, and instead of an extravagant outing, you opt for burritos and binge-watching Netflix, eventually dozing off on the couch.
- Marriage is saying something hurtful and immediately wishing for forgiveness.
- Marriage is envisioning a future together—gray hair, wrinkled skin, velour tracksuits, shocking grandchildren with risqué jokes, and cozy side-by-side recliners.
Ultimately, marriage is about believing in your partner wholeheartedly—even after witnessing their less-than-graceful dance moves.
Letting go of preconceived notions about what marriage should be is essential. It’s messy, imperfect, and occasionally silent but also means having someone who’s legally obligated to chuckle at your jokes and scratch that elusive itch on your back.
For more insights on navigating relationships and parenting, check out our related post here. And if you’re exploring your own journey into parenthood, Make a Mom offers great resources for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, this article provides valuable information on the IVF process, a helpful read for anyone looking to expand their family.
In summary, marriage is not about the fairy tale but rather about the everyday moments that make up a shared life. It’s about growing together through laughter, love, and the occasional disagreement.