by: Yes, the first two years can be challenging, but hopefully, they're mostly full of fun and discovery!
Meet Jen and Eric. Actually, you've sorta met both of them before, here. Jen is a Graphic Designer at MagnetStreet and one of the easiest-going people I've ever met! She came to MagnetStreet just before she and Eric got married almost two years ago and it's been fun getting to know her ever since. Here are some of Jen's thoughts on being married and staying married...
Knowing One Another
"Eric and I have been married for almost two years (August 18) and in that time we have really grown and matured as a couple. We dated for eight years before getting married, so we knew a lot about each others traits, habits and how we each react to situations. So, when we decided to combine our finances after a full year of being married, I sort of knew what to expect.
Biggest Marital Hurdle
Finances have definitely been our biggest hurdle and figuring out what money we need to set aside for bills and payments and what we can use as "play" money. Our biggest purchase together was our home and we had to learn quick the balance between what we really wanted in our first dream house and what we could actually afford. In purchasing our home, we really try to split up the responsibilities of being homeowners. Eric is in charge of maintaining the yard with mowing, raking and shoveling and since I am a total neat freak, I naturally fell into the role of cleaning everything (except for the bathroom, I put that on Eric's to-do list). I also do most of the cooking because I love to cook and try new recipes and I don’t think Eric minds that! Eric claims he is the meat master and that's true, but don't expect to have any other side dishes with your meal; it's meat. Only meat.
Thoughts on Marriage
Marriage is everything I thought it would be. Dating Eric for so long before marriage really made us realize that we were who each other wanted to be with for life, so the whole marriage thing just made it official. My favorite thing about marriage is knowing that I always have a companion beside me. I have someone I can always count on, who I can lean on, who I can ask silly questions and know that even though we have our frustrations and arguments, he loves me no matter what.
My Advice
My advice for engaged couples is to not forget about what got you where you are in the first place. Don't forget the reason the two of you are together and why you want to spend forever with each other. The wedding world will consume your life for such a short period of time when you’re planning on spending forever with your partner. So don't forget to take a step back, relax and remember the reason the two of you fell in love.
Well said! Thanks Jen and Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! {cotton, right?}
