I wasn't sure whether I would feel different after getting married. In a way I do and in a way I don't ... which is very eloquent, I guess! :o)
In a pragmatic, day-to-day sense nothing has changed - we're back to work, trying to pay the bills and doing the washing up. We've lived together for over four years so there's no "getting to know you" phase and he already knows to put the loo seat down!
But on a deeper level something has changed. I feel comfortable but to say that suggests that I've stopped making an effort or I'm in a rut but it's more in the sense of security or solidity. Hmmm ... this is more difficult than I thought.
A colleague at work asked me how I could get married and how I knew that Hubby was "the right one" especially as I have had two previous long-term partners. When Hubby asked me to marry him (out of the blue) I had no hesitation in saying yes. It was the next logical step for us and our relationship. I don't normally go in for trite sayings but I saw this many years ago on a postcard and I thoroughly believe in it - "Don't marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can't live without". This is put more eloquently in one of the readings we had:
"You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. ... Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two."
(Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres)
When I had finished getting ready in the early afternoon before the wedding, it finally hit me. I had been planning for that day for so long and my body decided it was time I felt nervous. I really wanted everything to get started and I'd had enough of waiting around. So much so, we were finished with the arrival photos a few minutes early and I persuaded my Dad (who was also the officiant) to start the wedding a few minutes early!
Whilst I guess it is too late by then, another clue that it is the right decision for you to marry is how you feel as you enter the Church. All my nerves faded away and I don't think I stopped smiling from that point on.
As every married couple says, the day passed so quickly but it was the day we wanted. My only regret was it was too hot for me to keep my dress on all evening - I ended up changing into a white t-shirt and cream combats! :o)
And now we're planning what to do for our first anniversary ...
Happy Journeys.
