Meandering Through the Forest

On the weekend Ben and I had the pleasure of going for a hike with my younger brother and his girlfriend. Although our plans got derailed as hwy 66 to moose mountain was still closed because of the floods, we went for a hike through west Bragg Creek, which turned into a 14 km meander through the forest, with our conversations carrying us along. Although there was no destination to our hike, no "OH WOW" moment like you get when you summit a mountain or hike to a waterfall, we still had a great time (and I can't wait for our 3 day backpacking trip next month together!!).

Anyways, the point of this post. The question was asked if things really change once you get married. Which is a very good question, because to be honest I didn't think things would change when Ben and I got married, I mean we had been living together for 4 and a half years before that, and yet our relationship did change. Subtle changes, nothing life shattering.. changes that you may not even notice until you take a moment to think about them, the kind change that makes you feel more secure and love your partner even more, because they have chosen you forever. They have promised to love you despite your faults through thick and thin, those vows are not to be taken lightly. Its kind of hard to explain, it's just like you feel more settled, you're no longer preoccupied with when, where, and how you'll get engaged, you don't have to plan the wedding, and you're no longer thinking about what would happen if you break up.. Youre relationship becomes a constant. Which is also why you have to make a little bit of an effort to have dates and celebrate the little things once you're married. It is way too easy to get into a routine and let life pass you by.

I have found that one of the biggest differences is in arguments. There is an understanding that we're both in this for the long haul so we better figure this sh*t out so that we don't continue to have the same argument tomorrow, next week, or next year. Arguments turn into opportunities to learn and try to understand where the other person is coming from, and to work on compromise.

There you have it. I'm sure for people that haven't lived together before getting married there would be major differences, but if you already live together I would say it does change a little bit, but definitely for the better.

Also, just to keep you all in suspense... I found out on Tuesday that I PASSED MY CFA LEVEL 1! WOO HOO!