Wedding Clues, Who knew

On this wonderful Friday, at 6pm, a friend of mine will stand at the altar and wait for his bride to walk down the aisle and join him, as they exchange vows in matrimony. Some people would suggest that today, Friday the 13^th isn’t the best day to get married, but whose to decide which marriages do and don’t work, based on a date on the calendar. Even though I have not been privileged (some would say cursed) with the responsibility of marriage, there are a couple things I have learned from my own relationships and others that I have observed.

1. Be honest – Tell yourself and your significant other the truth. Too many times relationships go sour because someone has spent time lying to him/herself about how they truly feel in the situation. When something happens, instead of speaking up they say everything is “ok” and never address the matter at hand; which leads to misunderstanding and confusion down the road.
2. Stop trying to please outsiders – If you spend more time listening to what friends and family feel you should be doing, maybe you should date one of them instead. Don’t get caught up pleasing outsiders and forget about yourself, your significant and what is important to the two of you.
3. Know when to walk away – I’m not talking about divorce (though that is sometimes the better option), but not all arguments and disagreements must have a winner. Sometimes feelings can be saved and regrets avoided if one person walks away to regroup and calm down, in order for a civil conversation to take place later on. Don’t walk too far or for too long though, you might end up having to sleep somewhere else for the night.  
4. Remember to laugh – There’s a reason you chose to marry each other. There was a point when you laughed, went on dates and talked endlessly about nothing. Don’t allow your lives to become so overburdened with work, children, activities and the “pursuit of happiness” that you forget why you married your partner in crime.

Like I said, I’m no expert, but I’ve learned a couple things along the way. Hopefully these tidbits will help someone.

To my bro, who’s jumping the broom later this evening, congrats! May their lives be filled with laughter, success and experiences that bring them closer together.

For those who’ve already jumped the broom, continue to work on the best job you’ve ever taken.