3 Lessons Learned From 8 Years Of Marriage

Before we got hitched, Will and I were together for 9 years. Today, we celebrate 8 years of marriage. That’s 17 years of togetherness! Awww!

I’ve known Will for almost half of my life, and whilst our relationship isn’t perfect (whose is?!) – I haven’t wanted to kill him in his sleep (yet), and he’s incredibly tolerant of my ways. We’ve been together a long time now, and all things considered, I think we are doing great!

Looking back, we’ve learned one or two most valuable lessons…

1. Invest In Your Bed

Buy the BIGGEST bed you can afford, and get a luxury mattress.

When we bought our first home together, it was a ‘do’er-upper’ and we had so many expenses. To save money, we bought a regular double-sized bed with a standard mattress. Hubby is 6’2″ and I am 5’7″. We are not small people. It wasn’t good. Every time hubby moved, I felt it and vice versa. The mattress also had weak springs and formed a dip in the middle drawing us both towards the centre.

We now have a huuuge Super-King bed and we’ve invested in a memory foam mattress. I wish we did this right back at the beginning. I still get 2/3rd of the bed, but Will no longer has to cling to the edge for fear of falling out

I know, as newlyweds a small bed may seem all romantic, cosy and fun, but if you’re just starting out -put a bed on your wedding list. Ask for vouchers or a contribution towards a bed. Forget the fancy china and bathroom towels – invest in your sleep. You won’t regret it.

2. Be Different

Will and I are so very different in our personalities. It used to drive me crazy, but now I see how we totally complement each other. He is the yin to my yang.

If I’m mad, I tell him. I slam doors, I get angry. Will avoids conflict at all costs, keeps quiet and walks away. Yup, sometimes it makes me slightly madder (more mad?), but thank goodness as it’s probably saved divorce proceedings on several occasions.

I’m very impulsive. Will is far more restrained. I’m all, “Oooh, look! Let’s buy it!” Mr. Reserved reins me in and Googles the best deals. That man has saved this household THOUSANDS!

Will is outdoorsy, I’m not. However, since the Libran in me likes to keep balance and keep everyone happy, I’ve been persuaded to try out new adventures, like camping. Ha! Who’d have thought I’d love camping!

3. You’ve Gotta Laugh

Marriage is not easy. Growing old and raising a family is not easy. Having a special someone you can laugh with really helps. Whilst our sense of humour is very different (he likes Red Dwarf, I like Michael McIntyre) we often laugh together. When he is feeling down, I somehow know just the right silly thing to say that makes him laugh. Whether he’s laughing at me, or with me is still undecided

What about you? If you’ve been in a relationship for a while, do you have any lessons-learned that you can add to the list?

Let me know! Leave a comment in the box below! 

~ Natalie