5 Things My Parents Taught Me About Marriage

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I just got back from celebrating my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary! It was so amazing to watch my mom and dad remarry and renew their vows. They are my real-life version of Romeo & Juliet and I could not be more grateful for two people in my life.

Here are 5 lessons about marriage we can all learn:

1. Marriage isn’t a fairy-tale.

You found the one? Cool. Now what? Marriage takes work, it’s a relationship you constantly have to work on and dedicate time to. Just because you’ve gotten married doesn’t mean all your problems are going to fade away and you are going to ride off in the sunset. It’s a bunch of ups and downs, but as long as you have each other, then you can get through anything.

2. You need to stand by each other no matter what.

Your families may not get along, your kids will fight, and so many problems will arise, but if you don’t stand by each other through thick and thin, your marriage will fall apart.

3. You have to be each other’s first priority.

Marriage is easier when it’s just the two of you, but when you have kids things change. Drastically. It’s hard to find time to spend with your spouse in the middle of work, children and keeping a household together, however even if it means you sleep half an hour less that night, you gotta make the effort. When you are each other’s first priority, you feel less of a need to stray away and seek things elsewhere.

4. Keep things fun.

Try new things together. It’s so easy to get into a routine so you both have to make a conscious effort to change it up a bit. I’ve watched my parents go on random trips together, try new foods together, and explore the world together. Doesn’t matter what you do as long as you’re in good company.

5. Money comes and goes, but family is forever.

My dad recently told me that “money is like dirt on your hands — it comes and goes. One minute you’re on top of the world, one minute you’re down. But love and family, that is forever. I cannot emphasize the importance of closeness and love one family can have for each other. That is nothing no money can buy.” And it’s so true.

My parents have in no way had an easy marriage, but it’s been a blessing to be able to watch them go through every battle together and come out stronger. They have made me a true believer in finding your soulmate and have given me hope that real love does exist, even if it doesn’t always seem like it.