A wedding is typically viewed as a joyous occasion. While the idea of living happily ever after with your significant other is reason to celebrate, it’s equally as important to keep one foot on the ground. Tying the knot is a step many couples take. That said, it’s not a solution to a problem nor the end to a story. People might keep talk light and positive when you’re planning for your own nuptials. However, there are plenty of important things being glossed over all the while. Stressing about the unknown variables of the future won’t do you any good, but you absolutely want to remain mindful of obstacles all couples encounter after the wedding ends. Consider these points people forget to mention about marriage and gain some more perspective.

The Work Is Constant

Television and movies have gone a long way to make romantic stories all about the “chase.” Essentially, the story ends with a wedding and suggests the couple lived out their lives in bliss after the credits. People forget to mention that this is far from the truth. Walking down the aisle is more like taking the first steps of a journey more than approaching any kind of finish line. Couples who have been married for any amount of time will tell you the work to keep a relationship together is constant. 

This isn’t to say that it is joyless or difficult work at all times. More often than not, magic in a relationship fades as routine takes hold. You might even find yourself irritated by the mere presence of your partner at times. What’s important is to recognize such feelings early and communicate your frustrations. If you don’t put in this work, it will only be a matter of time before slight upsets fester into bitter resentments. 

The Passion Isn’t a Given

Irritation does a lot more to a relationship than cause some slight hiccups. In fact, research suggests a majority of couples allow these annoyances to disrupt how they view each other. This can lead to a decrease in passion and setbacks in the bedroom. Assuming you will always be as attracted to your partner as you were when you first met is definitely a fallacy of which to remain aware. As your lives change and your perspectives shift, you must find new ways to stoke the embers of your attraction. 

Sex is never a given in any relationship, especially for married couples. However, you must communicate your physical needs the way you do any other. The spontaneity you might be used to with sex isn’t as easy to manage when your schedules are rigid and exhausting. It might seem odd at first, but planning a specific night each week or month for sex can definitely help. Again, it all comes down to being able to communicate with each other over what you do or don’t want on a given night and being accepting of the other’s wishes. 

Your Spouse Is a Human Being

You definitely know your spouse is a person, but plenty of couples struggle to remember this. When your partner comes home in a bad mood and you assume it has something to do with you, you forget to take into account the infinite variables that could have led to this. From a hard day at work to a random case of the blues, your spouse will go through all of the internal ups and downs you do. Keep this in mind and avoid jumping to any conclusions about the origin of a mood.  

Married life can definitely be blissful at times, but it is also going to involve a whole lot of headaches. There are a lot of ups and downs that many people forget to mention occur after marriage. As long as you learn how to roll with life’s punches together, you’ll have an easier time navigating the unknown as an unstoppable unit.