First Year of Marriage
Be realistic and be happy
Your wedding was the ultimate dream day and the honeymoon was even better, but now your real marriage is beginning. As every newlywed knows, the struggles during the first few months of marriage bring their own set of challenges. Here are some helpful tips to keep you focused on important facets of your relationship, without sweating the small stuff.
Your New Home
Decorating your new home means compromises have to be made. Your husband wants a reclining chair with a built-in beer holder, while you’d prefer matching Barcelona chairs in this season’s trendiest colours. Instead of playing tug-of-war over household accessories, make a pact to buy your major pieces together. Sift through home decor magazines to compile a palette of colours and furniture you’d mutually enjoy, and source the pieces that suit your budget.
Finances
Discussing money matters with your spouse is likely the least romantic thing you’ll do. But it’s essential to establish open communication about finances to maintain a stable household. Start by outlining your monthly bills and make a budget (including phone, cable, hydro, car and home insurance and loan payments in your tally). Then add incidentals like groceries, savings, vacations and seasonal expenses like car maintenance or landscaping costs to round off your list. Make sure your budget is easily accessible, so you’ll routinely keep track of the balance without hassle.
Chores
It’s easy to overlook the growing piles of dirty dishes in your sink when you’re lost in love. But organizing your household maintenance chores early helps alleviate frustrations down the road. Start by making a list of regular household duties that need to be done – laundry, kitchens, bathrooms, mopping floors, recycling and garbage to name a few. Flip a coin to see who chooses first, and work your way through the list until everything is accounted for. Set aside a weekly night or afternoon for cleaning—After a few weeks of practice you may want to alter your routine to fit your new lifestyle.
Time Management
Scheduling together time is an important part of your weekly routine. Schedule date nights each week where you tune the TV out, and turn the romance up. Try a new restaurant or coffee shop, go for a long walk after dinner or find a weekly activity like cooking that you can do together. It’s as easy to book a work meeting as it is to schedule time with your loved one!
The In-Laws
Don’t fret about increasing time commitments with your new in-laws, they’re just eager to spend time with their new family addition. It’s important to establish traditions together and discuss with your spouse in realistic plans for holidays and birthday commitments with both families. Equally important is being as welcoming to your respective in-laws as they are to you. Once your home is ready, invite the family over to show them the new home and officially welcome them.
Written by: Melissa Jenkins-Gray
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