I couldn’t repeat the vows that were said that morning. All I remember was standing in front of the man I was about to marry. It felt like it was just the two of us in that room–nervous, happy and hoping that we didn’t trip over our sacred words. It didn’t feel real as soon as that ring slipped on my finger. It didn’t feel real as we walked back to the car to have brunch with our parents. Our quaint little City Hall wedding was over, to be followed by an outdoor family reception the next day where we would introduce each other as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. H. One year later, marriage is feeling pretty real!
Newlywed bliss is only perfected on TV and in movies because this first year of marriage definitely included its share of rough patches. It’s almost as if marriage gives an individual the cojones to not hold back on words and feelings. We’ve said some things, we’ve solved some things. No one said it was going to be easy, but now I realize that it’s the arguments and disagreements that really test your love for one another. My husband is definitely the lover in this equation. As for myself, I’m a ball of fire when you get me riled up. But we even each other out. My hot temper is cooled down by his calm demeanor. It just works.
There’s no denying that the man can sometimes make me want to bang my head against the wall a thousand times. I often excuse him from certain things he says or does because “he’s a man.” Oh how he hates when I say that! But there are certain rules in this marriage that we follow:
- There’s no problem we can’t work through (except for infidelity–neither of us stands for that)
- Never go to bed angry–always resolve issues in a timely manner
- Never forget to say good-night
- Snuggling is always necessary at bedtime
- Be considerate to each other and each other’s needs
- Treat each other with respect and as an equal–we are a team
- Saying “I love you” is nice to hear, but acting on those words is even more special
- Laugh, then laugh some more
I am always amazed over how much can change in just a year’s time. But I wouldn’t change our first year of marriage for anything. It has taught us both so much. It has strengthened our bond. I’ve learned a lot about myself within this year as well. I’m proud to be Mrs. H. and even prouder to have been blessed with such a wonderful husband. In return, he’s proud of me and my accomplishments. As we celebrate our first year of marriage today, we can celebrate that accomplishment together. We made it through newlywed not-always-so-blissful first year of marriage. We’ve loved, honored, cherished and managed not to strangle each other. I think we’ll do just fine!
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