Two lessons learnt after two years of marriage
The hubby and I are celebrating our two year wedding anniversary and I wanted to share two lessons I have learnt after two years of marriage.
I can’t quite believe it’s been two years since our amazing wedding day – it has genuinely flown by!
Steve and I signing the register Photo: Ed and Maggie Sewell
Last year our anniversary fell on Father’s Day and we went to a big family BBQ at Steve’s parents house which was also a farewell party for us; as later that week we had our big move up to the North East!
It was a lovely day but this year we want it to be just the two of us.
So on our anniversary itself we are off to Slaley Hall in Northumberland for an overnight stay and spa day and I cannot wait!
I’ve been to Slaley for a couple of fantastic weddings but never actually had the pleasure of staying over or indulging in the spa delights and Steve has never been. Hopefully we are in for a treat.
You can read all about our spa break at Slaley Hall here.
Messing around on our wedding day Photo: Ed and Maggie Sewell
After reading Faith’s blog post about celebrating her two year wedding anniversary and what lessons she’s learned I thought I’d do something similar. You can read her brilliant post here.
Of course I feel like I’ve learnt much more than just two things but wanted to share just a snippet with you.
What two things have we learnt after two years of marriage?
1. Communicate and discuss everything. Don’t just assume, ask!
We’ve all heard the phrase:
“You should never assume as it makes an ass out of you and me.”
I’m a firm believer in this.
You have to communicate your needs, your frustrations, your likes and dislikes with each other otherwise how will your partner ever know?
Neither of us are mind readers so being able to talk about what is on our minds is important; otherwise you bottle things up and eventually a silly little thing makes you snap and go over the edge and a full blown screaming match ensues.
Not nice.
It’s so easy to get distracted today and not listen to your partner and it’s something we are both guilty of at times.
Try to put the phone down when your spouse is talking and actively listen to them.
It will make a big difference and both of you will feel you are being listened to and are listening to one another.
2. Participating in an activity together will bring you closer together
When you’re married and you work full time having any sort of spare time to do anything hobby related can be difficult around the usual day-to-day activities.
Life really does have an annoying habit of getting in the way!
However, since March Steve and I have started running together as we are both training for the Great North Run.
Doing a proper run was on my 30 things to do before I’m 30 list and you can find out all about this challenge in my taking on my first half marathon post.
So both of us being successful in the Great North Run ballot has given us a common goal to pursue together.
When we’re out for a run; this is time we get to cheer each other on and encourage one another – all while exercising and reducing our stress.
It’s hard work (probably more so for me) as I’m actually running and a bit of a sweaty mess and Steve is cruising next to me barely above a walking pace!
I’m enjoying (not hating) our training sessions and I do feel like it’s bringing us closer together.
Post-run selfie
What nuggets of wisdom have you learnt after being with your partner or being married? Let me know in the comments below.
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Our wonderful wedding pictures were taken by the very talented Ed and Maggie Sewell; you can check out their other work here: http://www.sewellphoto.co.uk/
Other relationship related posts
Take a look back on my saying yes to the dress story
Here’s my top tips on how to survive a couple’s trip to Ikea
See how I’m upping my romance game in romancing the socks off Valentine’s Day
Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District.
See what fun we had on our day date at sunny Tynemouth
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Firstly, happy anniversary!
Oh be just in the throes of the beginning of marriage!
After nearly 17 years, I’ve learnt an awful lot but I agree with you that communication; pure, full, open communication is one of the most important things to remember.
Thank you 😊 oh I bet. Totally agree and it’s something we have to work on. Ironic when we both work in communications 😆
Practice what we preach, eh!
Ditto to what Ritu wrote. Plus marrying your best friend, again that you can easily open up to and chat about anything. Though life is not perfect and heated arguments are bound to happen to all good marriages. As long as they are not prolonged and soon forgotten. Never go to bed on an argument so the old saying goes! Or as someone I know does, go for a long walk then go back to discuss the issue 🙂
A long walk is a good idea! Thanks Suzanne 😊
Happy anniversary!! Sounds like things are going very well for you both!
Thank you 😊
Congratulations on your second Anniversary. Hubby and i turned as well ( first week in june) totally agree… Never assume… talk about everything
Thanks lovely and for the inspiration for this post 😊
Sage advice, Rachael. Happy Anniversary! You looked lovely on your wedding x
Thanks so much Hayley 😊
Happy Anniversary guys! We are turning 10 this year, yet only recently have we really discovered the value of communication and not bottling things up; well done for recognising this so early on x
Thank you and wow 10 years is amazing xx
Happy anniversary. This is sound advice. I am a stong believer in communcation… it really does wonders for your relationship. I also agree doing things together as simple as washin dishes or even eating together while it brings you closer it helps with conversationand learning about each other more… right…😊 nice post…
Definitely. We eat together every night it’s really important sharing your day with each other 😊
Happy anniversary! I like your comment about participating in an activity together. Even if you wouldn’t normally do an activity, if it’s important to your spouse, you should try it. Taking turns with what’s important to each other can bring a lot of closeness in marriage.
Thank you. Definitely agree with you there 😊
[…] you read my two lessons learnt after two years of marriage post you will know how excited I was to be celebrating our wedding anniversary just the two of us […]
Congratulations!!
I think the first bit of advice was the biggest issue when I look back on my first marriage. What I see in younger marriages now I see allot of communication, but not allot of listening or consideration from the receiving end. <3 So seeking a balance of the needs is what I've found is the most difficult and pertinent task after 7 years more in this second round of marriage. 😉
You have some wonderful insights for having been wed just 2 years. Thank you for sharing your thoughts – we can all learn from them, eve us “old timers”
Thank you
Having been married almost 40 years, I’d say you had it down pretty good already! Staying friends is key and saying what you feel and liking to do things together are indeed part of that.
Wow almost 40 years is amazing!
I remember those days of young new marriage–I love watching you make the most of it.
Thanks Carol 😊
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