WHAT I'VE LEARNED FROM TWO YEARS OF MARRIAGE + HOW WE CELEBRATED OUR ANNIVERSARY

Today's the day! Two years ago, I exchanged "I Do's" with the love of my life. It really has been a quick two years, but I feel like I've learned so much from them. So, in celebration of my two-year wedding anniversary, I wanted to share a few things I've learned. They aren't ground-breaking by any means!

I also want to show you how we celebrated this past weekend!

1. YOU'RE GOING TO FIGHT, AND THAT'S OK

If there is one thing that I've learned from two years of marriage (and nearly 5 years being in a relationship with the same person), it's that fighting is normal and relatively healthy for the most part. 

Now, if you're fighting every day or things get abusive, that should be a hint that something is wrong. However, you can't expect to live in close quarters with someone nearly 24/7 and expect everything to be all sunshine and rainbows. One day it might be a fight over leaving boots in the middle of the floor (...ehem...) or it might be over who should take the trash out. 

Either way, arguing can actually build up your relationship. DO NOT go tell your partner I wanted you guys to get in a fight. No! Avoid it if you can. But if it leads to an improvement in your relationship, a few hours of talking and a few tears aren't bad!

2. YOUR MAMA DIDN'T RAISE YOUR PARTNER

It is super important to remember that you weren't raised the same way as your partner. This isn't a jab, but it is more of a realization that things that you might find important may not have been instilled in them, and vice versa. 

It is vital that you talk with one another and work out your differences to that they don't cause you any issue. However, a different perspective can be great and a refreshing change from your own.

3. GET A HOBBY TO STOP DRIVING EACH OTHER CRAZY

For me, that hobby is blogging and sometimes my freelance work. It gives us each a few hours almost every day to focus on something we want to do without distraction. Jonathan enjoys playing music and video games.

​I also enjoy games, but we don't always play the same ones. It is nice to not feel pressured to spend every waking moment with your significant other!

4. SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

My husband and I each have different things that we need support from one other to accomplish. For me, I struggled (and sometimes continue to struggle) with a personal health issue that can be difficult to work with while maintaining a healthy marriage. My husband (as well as my mom) has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. He's done so much for me on my bad days, and even helps on my good ones. For that, I'm so grateful!

5. YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM CAN HURT YOUR PARTNER

Your support system that you had before marriage was always looking out for you! Therefore, they may not notice or care that some things that they say can be hurtful and can feel unsupportive to your spouse. 

It's important that you let your spouse know how this makes you feel. They may address it with their support system, or they may not. Either way, at least your spouse knows your feelings.

6. BE BEST FRIENDS FIRST

When I met Jonathan, I was dating someone else. That didn't end well, but I had formed a friendship with him and, incidentally, he was my only friend who was available to comfort me when I broke it off with my boyfriend.

Because we were friends, I don't feel pressure to look like a model, conceal my crazy, or cry in front of him. He's my rock and I know I can come to him with just about anything, and he'll be the first one there cheering me on and helping me.

HOW WE CELEBRATED

On Friday, I got off of work early. He didn't have to work. We went to Downtown Fayetteville, N.C. and visited Circa 1800 for lunch. He got a chicken sandwich topped with bacon and pulled pork, and I got a blackened chicken wrap! Afterward, we went next door to the new Caruso's Confections for a piece of three-layer chocolate mousse cake.

On Saturday, we had brunch at Metro Diner in Fayetteville, N.C. before heading up to Raleigh for an improv comedy show with ComedyWorks. We also visited our friend Lauren and her husband Aaron for a bit before heading home. 

Since tonight is our official anniversary, we have a small chocolate cake to enjoy with one another!