The Little Things about Marriage

So, exciting news...Shane & I are about to make the 8 month mark in our very new marriage! While we have settled into our everyday routine quite comfortably, there are still those times that sneak up that just make my day and make our marriage feel like it's still 1 day old. I know I know, it's only been 8 months, and I'm by no means saying it's already boring. ;) But I'm learning that it's those little things in a relationship that you see every so often that make it so unbelievably new & amazing. I've noticed a couple of those things lately, so I thought I'd share.

1. Finding out little details about your significant other from a time before you were together - when you thought you already knew everything there was to know.
This one was especially funny to me. Shane and I were sitting on the couch talking one night, and I all of sudden noticed something on his ears. Two tiny little marks - ones that I had never noticed before. As I looked closer, I realized that my rather clean cut husband had  had both ears pierced at one time! I couldn't believe it! It was so funny to think about it, and kinda cool at the same time because I realized there were still little things we didn't know about each other. I don't try to figure them out because it was so neat to stumble upon it and realize that we still have so much to learn about each other.

2. Figuring out that things really do get sweeter with time.
I sometimes feel the pressure as a newlywed to have this amazing, adventurous marriage that never has any kinks because you are just that - a newlywed. But I'm figuring out that the old saying is really true. There are things that may take a little while to get used to, and time definitely does make them better. A few examples:

Sharing a bed- I had a huge bed all to myself for the longest time, and while I love to cuddle, it was so hard for me to get used to having someone right by me for the whole night. I was seriously sleepless and a tad claustrophobic. But 8 months later and with an upgraded bed size, it's something I look forward to.

Communication skills- oh my. I quickly learned that just because you think something, it doesn't mean he does. Just because I think that the shower curtain should always be closed doesn't mean he does. Just because I have an opinion about a situation doesn't mean we'll always share the same view. And that's ok. It is a daily reminder of how differently we think and communicate and how important it is for us to actually say things. It's going to take time to learn these special communication skills, but it's all part of the adventure.

3. Learning that it's ok that I'm not June Cleaver.
I love a constantly spotless, gorgeous house, as well as a homemade meal that may or may not include 3 courses, but let's face it - it's not the 50's (although I sometimes wish it were). And I have definitely felt the pressure to be June Cleaver at times. But I'm a full time student with a job and an internship, so needless to say, sometimes other things take priority over vacuuming and cooking. Because of that, I am so thankful that I have a husband that understands that I'm not always going to be the domestic goddess I aspire to be. ;) He's so great about helping out when I'm stressed that it helps me not to place too-high-of high expectations on myself. All that matters is that I keep everything balanced- focusing on God first, my marriage & family, friends, school/work, and then the housework ;)

Our first 8 months have been amazing, and it's so neat to see how much we're already learning about each other. Can't wait to see what the next 8 months and more bring :)