Words of Wisdom on Marriage

Courtesy of texaswren, who just celebrated her 26th wedding anniversary:

1. Marriage is not a 50-50 deal. It's a 100%-100% deal. You both have to give 100%.
   
2. Practice tolerance. You are always going to drive each other mad sometimes. Learn to live with it.
   
3. Remember that the first years are the hardest. When you think you can't take it anymore, just repeat this. Of course, this doesn't count if abuse or cheating is involved.
   
4. Lower your expectations. I don't care what people told you before you got married, or what it was like when you were dating, it isn't going to be that way. It's going to be messier, harder, you will both be lazier, more self-centered, and you will find out that the bloom is off the rose. But, this is what real life is-it isn't roses and sunshine. It's getting through the regular, ordinary, unspecial days together, and finding that if he remembers not to leave the cabinet door open, because it annoys you, that is as meaningful to you as a rose use to be. Real life is finding special moments in ordinary things.
   
5. Keep remembering why you love him. When irritation sets in, take a minute to remember why you fell in love with him.

Thanks, my friend.