Seven Things I should have Known before I got Married

I stumbled upon Ylonda Gault Caviness’ very enlightening article entitled, “Seven Things No One Tells You About Marriage.” Honestly, I wish somebody told me these things before I sent those wedding invitations and I would have probably saved my marriage from divorce. Anyway, there is nothing I can do about that now. Perhaps, on my next marriage I should keep these things in mind.

Here’s the list of seven things you (i) should know before you (i) say “I DO”:

1. You will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever?
2. You'll work harder than you ever imagined.
3. You will sometimes go to bed mad (and maybe even wake up madder).
4. Getting your way is usually not as important as finding a way to work together.
5. A great marriage doesn't mean no conflict; it simply means a couple keeps trying to get it right.
6. You'll realize that you can only change yourself.
7. As you face your fears and insecurities, you will find out what you're really made of.

In a gist, marriage is actually pure hard work, and tons of bitter pills to swallow. I remember when my dad was asked on their 40th wedding anniversary celebration on what was the secret formula for their long and successful marriage, he replied, “Love and Obedience.” Simple as it sounds, he continued, “My wife love me so much, and I obey her all the time.” Everyone roared in laughter. However, I think he really made a lot of sense there. As Ylonda concludes her article:

“That's the strange beauty of marriage: It's full of hard times and hard lessons that no one can ever prepare you for. But in the end, those are the things that give richness to your life together -- and make your love even deeper and stronger than when it began.”