"Mawwige, Mawwige is wat bwings us together, today."
Princess Bride, anyone - can I get a heck yes?! When I told Bryan about this post, and asked if there was anything he wanted to add, I read the title, "What is Marriage?" and he responded with that. I couldn't help but laugh, which is something he makes me do often.
We had a bit of a rough day, everything is fine now, but we both came to some harsh realizations, and my mind couldn't help but start forming a list. That's me, compulsive list maker party of one right here. And this is what I came up with, just my honest answers and opinions.
What is Marriage?
-It's filling that void in your partners life, wherever it may be. You're that missing puzzle piece
-It's coming home to the same person every day for the rest of your life
-It's the last person you seen when you go to bed and the first when you wake up
-It's putting their happiness before your own sometimes
-It's the morning after your wedding at 5am, you roll out of bed to get ready for your flight to Cabo and catch a glimpse of yourself in the hotel bathroom mirror. You know her, but she's a little different, she's no longer a fiance or girlfriend, she's a wife.
-It's proudly displaying your wedding ring
-It's a piece of paper
-It's unconditional love
-It's making plans, and eventually babies
-It's making a house into a home, and two people into a family
-It's saying your vows in front of family and friends, which means you are asking them to hold you accountable when you're ready to quit
-It's not walking away from an argument even when you feel like you can't argue or cry anymore - because you both said for better AND for worse
What does marriage mean to you? Did your preconceived notions change when you woke up the morning after your wedding? Or did it take longer? Do you make sure to treat your husband/wife with the utmost respect and love they deserve?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on what marriage is to you and yours.
PS - Check out the How do YOU Measure a Year tab at the top of the page :) My quest in also documenting my year in pictures.
PSS - I'm sorry I haven't been so active the last couple of days, but I'm still here and here to stay! :)
PSSS - stay tuned tomorrow for a SUPER CUTE cupcake recipe and pictures, and a TAG post from Jamie over at walkinginhighcotton :)
PSSS - stay tuned tomorrow for a SUPER CUTE cupcake recipe and pictures, and a TAG post from Jamie over at walkinginhighcotton :)
Awe, wow, I loved reading this post. Precious, and so true. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this! Your blog makes me so happy :)
ReplyDeleteHeather - thank you so much for your kind words, I was in a truthful mood last night so I'm glad it came across as that :)
ReplyDeleteJessie - You soon-to-be-mama you! I'm glad it does! The same goes for me and yours! :)
This is a good post Manda. I did feel different the next day, but more in an accomplished sort of way. a "Finally! i can OFFICIALLY call this man my husband" kind of way and not just "well we basically are" :) Ryan said he felt different.. cause his finger felt funny from the ring.. but even he said it didn't hit him for awhile.. he still calls me his girlfriend on occasion.. (even tho i havnt been "Girlfriend" for like, 4 years now!) hahaha
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my mind a lot lately too. We're coming up on our 9th wedding anniversary--which doesn't seem like a lot until I think of all the places we've been, all the things we've done, and all the kids we've had in those few years! :)
ReplyDeleteAll I can think is that marriage is a constant process of growing and evolving, and then refitting yourself to your spouse. Constantly redefining yourself as a pair rather than an individual.
People talk all the time about "you can't change me" and "don't try to change me" and "why can't you love me for who I am." Well, I wish I had known and understood that changing is an inevitable part of being human, of growing, of experiencing life. IT'S NOT A BAD THING! I'm NOT the girl I was when I got married. (Thank God!) But it makes marriage a much more dynamic process than I ever imagined.