Our Very First Blow Up!
It’s true! We weren’t even married 24 hours, and wouldn’t you know it? We had our very first blow up. It left us confused and wondering what happened. You see, the day before, we were full of excitement, love, and joy. Fast forward one day, and we were barely able to look at one another. So just what was the argument about? (Wait for it…) – the wedding gifts weren’t recorded correctly. Really? We would let something so insignificant steal our joy? Rob us of our happily ever after?
Transitions
Looking back, I can see we were both tired. It had been a long couple of days with all the wedding preparation, the wedding, and then the reception immediately after. While getting married was an exciting and joyous milestone for Tim and me, we didn’t really stop to think about how stressful our wedding day would be. Or how transitioning into married life would be so challenging.
So,
- What happens from the excitement of the wedding to the marriage itself?
- What do you do when the light of that loving feeling of dating and the newness of being married begins to dim?
- How do you respond when you see your dreams and goals for life and your happily ever after fading away?
Common Stresses That Might Cause Blow Ups
Let’s look at some of the stresses that can occur throughout the course of marriage:
Early Stages ~
- Overwhelm from Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding involves numerous decisions, from choosing a venue and selecting vendors to managing guest lists and coordinating timelines. The sheer number of tasks can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety. Friction between the couple is a real possibility, and something to be aware of during this exciting yet anxious time.
Transitional Stages ~
- Financial Strain and Concerns
Weddings (and let’s be honest – life!) can be expensive. Financial strain is a common stressor for many couples. It’s not uncommon for couples to get caught up in the event and not focus on the true value of a wedding, which is the love and commitment shared between the couple.
It is essential to discuss long-term financial dreams, goals, and concerns early in a marriage, to ensure both spouses are on the same page and on the right track!
- Adjusting to Married Life
This is no small thing! The transition from being engaged to being married can bring about a mix of difficult emotions. It’s normal to feel a sense of excitement, but also anxiety about the unknown. Plus, adjusting to living together can be a real challenge. Giving grace and allowing space for these changes is crucial to a marriage.
Ongoing and Ever-Changing Stages ~
- Managing Family Expectations
Family dynamics and expectations can add another layer of stress during just about any phase of marriage. Establishing boundaries and communicating your needs and desires can be difficult, but these discussions are paramount to a healthy relationship.
- Self-Care and Prioritizing Your Relationship
Amidst the chaos of wedding planning, adjusting to married life, and as the marital and family life evolve, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and your relationship. The wedding is just one day, but marriage is a lifelong journey.
While I share an early argument in our married life, we’ve certainly had many more ‘learning opportunities’ through the years. I wish someone would have sat with us and shared that marriage is a lifelong journey requiring not only love, but a continued commitment to stretch, learn, and grow. I can honestly say that times would have been easier if we had put the effort into our relationship to grow together.
Maybe you are at a place where you find yourself wondering what happened to that loving feeling. Or your marriage is ‘good,’ but you know there is much more in store for your relationship.
No matter the stage of your marriage, we hope you will consider attending our marriage seminar, Rekindle That Loving Feeling. We would love to help you learn and grow together into the next level for your marriage.
You can find all the details and reserve your spot here:
https://thejourneythrough.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1159132
It would be a privilege for Tim and I to see you at our Rekindle That Loving Feeling Seminar!
Questions? Feel free to email us at either [email protected] or [email protected]
