I am amazed that 10 years have gone by. Sometimes because it only seems like a few years, sometimes because it feels like 20 years. You see time is relative. And I don't just mean the perception of time. But that's not what this is about. This is about my journey through marriage. The struggles and the lessons, the changes and compromises, the frustration and the rewards of being married to a wonderful woman.
I have struggled with this post for a while because I feel like it's hard to condense everything down into a blog post that isn't so long that no one will read it, but I think I can do a decent job. Let's do this David Letterman style and start with number 10. Although they are in no particular order so what ever.
10. Love your spouse the way they want to be loved.
She doesn't necessarily want to be loved the same way you do. You may like gifts but she probably wants quality time or acts of service. Read the 5 love languages. Your welcome
9. If something bothers you, talk about it.
She isn't a mind reader. Even if your not upset with her you need to let her know that or she may think she did something to upset you. That is a guaranteed recipe for argument. Avoid it.
H. Take time for yourself.
Dudes need time by themselves. It is part of the decompression process. If I don't get time by myself with no agenda at least once a week I am a complete A-Hole. Well, more of an A-Hole than normal.
5. Don't bring work drama/attitude home.
Tell her about your day. Don't treat her (or the kids) like they are the source of your grief from work.
7. Pick up after yourself.
Her stress level is directly proportional to the messiness of her house. Don't add to it nerd. Just being a decent civilized human being will go a long way to make her life easier and in turn yours.
F. Shaking it after taking a pee doesn't work.
It just doesn't. it gets on your pants. It gets on the toilet rim (you did lift the seat right you heathen?). Take my advice, get a small square of toilet paper and dab the end of your man meat. No it is not like a girl. I didn't say sit down to pee. What's wrong with you?
3. Just because she is asleep doesn't mean you can go do something else.
Women are telepathic. They know when you are not there. They like to be near you. It's a safety/comfort thing. Being in the other room doesn't count. If you have to, move the Xbox so she can sleep next to you while you play.
4. Having children changes dynamics
Not in a bad way. Children are amazing. They help you understand life. They are also hell on your sex life. You will adapt. Schedule sex if you have to. But honestly, just sleeping for 8 hours straight can be better than sex.
15. You have significantly less time for friends
Its cool. They are getting married too. They don't have time for you either. Play a game with them on ps4 or Xbox one. Get together once a month. Our list of couples for double dates has grown exponentially. You do have date night right?
21. You can't do this successfully without God.
I mean specifically the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus come in the flesh. No other "god" compares. Read the bible and pray. By yourself and with your spouse/family. The world has taken a stand against the family, it's up to us to show that a husband and wife and children make a strong unit. A society/community used to be made of family's. Communities used to be strong. Now most communities are made up of people that don't know each other.
Okay, so there is a list of a few things I have learned in 10 years of marriage. Some of them may seem silly but read them again. I think it a good bit of info. I hope that if you read this you can take at least one thing and apply it. Theory is great, but its the application where knowledge becomes valuable.
