the first year of marriage... // Meghan from The Perfect Compilation Tape

Past Bride No. 3 is Meghan. She is one of the first blog friends I ever had and her blog is definitely a daily read for me. This guest post is so fitting today since she'll be celebrating her anniversary in about a month and she just got done doing these really fun posts about her wedding memories (alphabet style) that you can read here and here.

My name is Meghan, and I blog over at The Perfect Compilation Tape. Usually, you can find me discussing the three C's: Chicago (my hometown!), cupcakes and coffee. Sometimes, however, my husband Mike makes an appearance (hereafter known as "Mikey"). Mikey (he hates it when I call him that!) and I have been married for almost two years. We will be celebrating our second wedding anniversary on July 24th, and I cannot believe it! These first two years of marriage have FLOWN BY, and I've definitely learned a lot about myself and my husband.

Since one of my weekly blog features is "Top 5 Thursdays", I thought I'd put together a list of the top five things that I have learned about marriage.

5. While marriage is a partnership, it's important to operate independently.
Mikey and I love spending time together. There is never a shortage of laughter and goofiness, no matter where we are. But even though we have daily coffee dates on our way to work, as well as weekly date nights, we aren't afraid to do things without each other. For instance, Mikey loves concerts. I hate standing on my feet. Therefore, when he wants to go see a band, he will call a friend or go on his own. This way, he doesn't have to deal with my constant complaining about how uncomfortable it is to stand for three hours in heels, and I can watch the "Real Housewives".

4. Men leave socks everywhere.
I think this is really an analogy for "choose your battles". My husband is a hybrid of a dog and a toddler. He leaves his socks in the couch cushions. He spills his milk. He loves to cuddle when I am trying to grade papers. I love him, but yes, he can annoy the hell out of me sometimes. Is it worth fighting over, though? Personally, I'd rather roll my eyes, and then smile at his child-like cuteness rather than make an issue out of it. Except for the socks. THAT drives me nuts.

3. Date each other.
It's really easy to fall into a rut. A typical night in our house goes something like this: come home from work, work-out, eat dinner, watch TV, go to bed. However, at least once a week, we do something special, like go out to dinner or grab dessert (our dates always revolve around food). That way, we can keep the spark alive as we gain weight:)

2. Communication is KEY.
I know this isn't anything new, but let's be honest. Relationships are hard work. There are bumps in the road. And so when there are, Mike and I do our best to cool off, and then discuss the issue at hand - all before bed. Because going to bed angry causes wrinkles.

1. There's no such thing as a "perfect marriage".
I hate to cook. Sometimes, I cry for no reason. I really love to shop. And my home, while always clean, is nowhere near Martha Stewart status. I am not perfect, but neither is my husband. And since we all have faults and we all make mistakes, it's important to understand, as a result, that there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. I truly believe that recognizing this, and adjusting accordingly, is half the battle:)