My Thoughts on Love

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been married for one year already… seriously!

I glance at my husband. He’s sitting there so intensely watching the national wrestling championships on TV while he eats his Chipotle.

A smile creeps across my face.

I still love him with the same passion I did when I first met him two years ago. For that I am so thankful.

When I was single, my biggest marriage fear was falling out of love.

It happens all the time in the dating world. One minute you are “in love” and before you know it, the relationship ends in disaster with broken hearts.

I often wondered how you know for sure when you meet the one.

Suddenly this one person changes it all and the love you both share for each other will last forever?!

I wrestled with this fear of marriage many times in my head during my singlehood.

It wasn’t until I listened to an amazing teaching about marriage that I was given a whole new perspective. The explanation of real love impacted me big time. I have never forgotten it.

TRUE LOVE IS COMMITMENT DEMONSTRATED BY ACTION.

Love isn’t a feeling. It isn’t a surprise bouquet of roses that brightens your day but is rotting in the dumpster two weeks later.

And most of all, kisses aren’t contracts.

My outlook and approach to dating started to change. I was looking for a love that would last, not just a love that feels good in the moment.

Now that I’m married I realize how commitment does indeed make all the difference in the crazy world of love.

My husband and I have had our ups and downs just like any couple in their first year of marriage.

But we have committed our hearts and lives completely to each other and backed it up with some major action… a ring and a beautiful beach wedding ceremony on March 17th, 2013.

Real love is commitment demonstrated by action.

Love isn’t something you feel, it’s something that you do.

If the person you’re with doesn’t want it, do yourself a favor and save it for someone who does.

Expectations in Marriage

Some of the wisest premarital advice I ever soaked in was regarding my expectations.

Many couples bring their expectations into marriage.

It’s easy to compare your spouse to other peoples’ spouses or to your parents when he/she doesn’t respond in the way you were expecting. This can be dangerous.

When expectations aren’t met, the disappointment takes over.

The best thing to do is talk openly BEFORE marriage about what each of your expectations in all areas are.

It will help tremendously in the first year when you have those less than blissful days!

You will have them.

Commitment

Not everything is going to work out the way you want it to. Be patient.

It’s a process of two different people becoming one.

There are moments when it seems to flow perfectly and I think, “Wow, it doesn’t get any better than this! We really have our marriage figured out!”

The next day we are bickering about the stupidest thing–like how to correctly load the dishwasher.

Roll with it. Embrace the tough moments. Most importantly, have a sense of humor.

Laughing in the middle of an argument has started happening more and more with us… Why? Because we are realizing how ridiculous we can both be!

The first year of marriage offers plenty of opportunities to feel thankful for the true love you share and the commitment you made.

I’m only one year in but I absolutely love married life. It’s a million times better!

If you are still waiting on the one, make sure to walk away from anyone who isn’t ready to commit.

No matter what you may feel, he/she isn’t going to give you the true love you are after.

Keep believing!

For those who are married please share your wisdom or advice in the comments below!

Here’s a glimpse of our special day last year:)

xo,