What I've Learned From Marriage So Far












The hubby and I celebrate two anniversaries every year: our marriage and our dating/wedding anniversary. We were married by a commissioner on February 14, 2012 and had a more traditional ceremony with a pastor and reception party on August 17,  2012 (which also happens to be our dating anniversary). I can't believe that today we celebrate our eleven year dating anniversary (Happy Anniversary Babe!). 

I wanted to share a few things I've learned over the course of my relationship and marriage. You may or may not agree with any or all but I'm always curious to learn more about how people create a successful and long-lasting relationship and marriage so maybe you are too! 

1. Say I'm Sorry.
I think this took me at least 7 years to figure out. Man oh man was I stubborn when we first started dating. I think everyone is a little stubborn when it comes to apologies or admitting fault. For some reason I always felt like if I was to say I'm sorry first, I've lost or given in. But ultimately, everyone ends up losing when no one is willing to admit fault. The argument or problem goes unresolved and anger and frustration builds up. Disagreements and arguments are inevitable, but how long they last is up to you. Saying "I'm Sorry" is incredibly powerful and brings the defensive guards down when expressed by the person you have your guard up against in the first place. 

2. Go on Dates. 
Never let the romance leave your relationship. Set time aside each week to spend time together and experience new things. Currently my hubby and I have a goal of trying one new restaurant each month in the city. 

3. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Enter Elsa's Frozen song 'Let it Go' here

4. Focus on the Good. 
You're with the person you're with for a reason and it's important to remind them (and sometimes yourself) of those reasons. What do you love about them? How do they contribute positively to your relationship? Share those positive thoughts with them and let them know you appreciate their efforts. 

5. Laugh.
I can't even being to describe how ridiculous my hubby and I are when we're alone together. I swear our neighbours must think we're crazy half the time with the amount of singing we do at the top of our lungs. Sometimes we forget that the windows are open.. oops! Laughter is such a big part of my marriage and allows me to connect with my hubby in a way that no one else understands. 

73 comments

  1. Omg you look like a baby !! I would have never guessed you were married. I thought u are like 21 year old or something ! Love your wedding dress. Stunning !! Wishing you best of luck xoxo
    PS I'm getting married next year in South of France:)
    Aurela

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    1. You have seriously made my week with that comment. Thanks babe!

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  2. This is Aurela from aurelafashionista.com !

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  3. This is such a beautiful post! Happy Anniversary to you two. :) Love these tips for sustaining a lifelong marriage. Will definitely have to keep these in mind!

    Best,
    Christina

    Looks by Lau

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  4. First, you look divine in your wedding dress. I love the romantic and classy details of your dress. The tips you gave here are all very useful married or not. You and your hubby have the #realtionshipgoals babe! Happy Anniversary to both of you! xx

    http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/6-tips-for-healthy-dining-out/

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    1. Thanks Kandja! I wanted something that would look and feel classic when I looked back years from now.

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  5. Happy anniversary Rina & Del. I love your post! Wow has it been 4 years since the wedding =) I still remember how beautiful you looked! I got married at the this past January, but we're having the reception next weekend. Miss you pretty lady! Tell del I say hi!

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    1. Thanks Jeunesse! Oops I must have put the date down wrong.. It's only been 3 years lol! Omg congrats on your marriage! Your man looks like a sweetheart and I couldn't be happier that you're with a standup guy! You deserve and always have deserved the best! Miss you! If you come to visit let's catch up!

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  6. Happy anniversary Rina & Del. I love your post! Wow has it been 4 years since the wedding =) I still remember how beautiful you looked! I got married at the this past January, but we're having the reception next weekend. Miss you pretty lady! Tell del I say hi!

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  7. What an amazing post thanks for sharing! All of these are So important and especially the date nights for us! We have two little ones under 3 so finding time to be alone is always a challenge and something we have to be very intentional about!

    Amanda | ASparklingStickyStyle.com

    Instagram | Manda_Lee_Smith

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    1. Thanks Manda! They really are, and I can see even more important once you start having kids. So great that you're still making it a priority!

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  8. Happy anniversary love (sorry I missed it one day though!). But so lovely with your wedding dress? So gorgeous with the slightly off shoulder and the lace! You look and sound like a lovely couple and if you've gone strong for 11 years, I'm sure you have a lifetime ahead together! So much love! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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    1. No worries babe, thank you! Your sweet words mean so much to me!

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  9. What gorgeous pictures! You two look so happy together! I loved this post!

    Darriyan xo
    www.darriyancateland.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. Such a lovely and inspiring post!

    http://tealattewithstyle.com/

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  11. Hello,

    So lovely !

    Sarah, http://www.sarahmodeee.com/

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  12. Such a lovely post, beutiful pics and perfect tips!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

    My Instagram

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  13. Happy anniversary Rina & Del. I love your post! Wow has it been 4 years since the wedding =) I still remember how beautiful you looked! I got married at the this past January, but we're having the reception next weekend. Miss you pretty lady! Tell del I say hi!

    best education service

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  14. First of all, a very Happy Anniversary hun, you guys look amazing tog <3 2ndly your dress is beyond gorgeous wow and thirdly, I totally agree with your tips and will keep them in mind for future ref with my boyfriend, thanks! :) xx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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  15. Such a great post! Congrats - you two seem so in love!


    Xx
    Molly
    www.trendychickadee.com

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  16. Totally forgot to say, thank you for the advice on my hair, will def try it! :) xxx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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  17. Happy anniversary! Great tips! I have more than 6 years in a marriage totally agree that you need to be able to apologize and need together to have fun, and celebrate all the important dates))
    Blog ♡Reckless diary by Anya Dryagina♡
    My ♡Instagram♡

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  18. I just recently got engaged to the love of my life. I am defenitely keepimg your tips in mind! Thanks so much for sharing. The two of you look like an incredibly handsome couple <3

    xx Tamara Chloé

    www.TcStyleClues.com

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  19. Happy Anniversary, your pictures are gorgeous! I love you tips, I really believe in not sweating the small stuff. There is no point in stressing yourself out over little things. Also relaxing and setting aside some time for yourself is very important as well. Thanks for sharing, loved this post!
    xoxo, Simona and Indre
    https://sistertalessite.com/

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  20. Happy anniversary! You make a cute couple and these are beautiful photos! :)

    Thanks for sharing some of your advice too :)


    Away From The Blue Blog

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  21. Omg, these are such adorable wedding pics, you two are such a perfect couple! And you made some great points about marriage, I still haven't mastered the Say I'm Sorry rule as I am still kind of new to the whole marriage thing #oops!

    Dee
    http://www.urbanchicblvd.com/

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    1. Thanks Dee! Saying I'm sorry is a hard one. I'm still not as quick as I would like to be with my apologies sometimes.. but we're all constant work in progress! All you can do is strive to be better <3

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  22. Wow wow wow! What a lovely and sweet post. You two look absolutely stunning. I can't even handle it. BREATHTAKING!
    Happy Anniversary Again. :)
    Xx, Raysa

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  23. Good advices Rina and happy anniversary. You look stunning as always :)

    Boyu Ba
    www.boyuba.com

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  24. Great advice for any relationship!
    Wish you guys all the best :)
    xx
    https://la-veine.blogspot.pt/

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  25. Amazing post! Have a great weekend. :)

    STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
    Bloglovin

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  26. i love the dress darling!
    i would be o happy if u can follow me and i follow back ofc!
    http://highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs/

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  27. Happy anniversary! You looked gorgeous and this is really good advice, I used to be very stubborn with a lot of things, not just apologies.

    xo
    www.carinavardie.com

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    1. Thanks babe! Hehe yes.. I think we all are a bit stubborn when it comes to our relationships.

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  28. Beautiful photos!! And great advice!

    Adi xx
    fancyforrectitude.com
    instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

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  29. great thoughts of you about marriage.. interesting and also good advices for a long lasting relationship :) so thank you for that and of course I have to admit that I absolutely love your wedding photos :) gorgeous!
    Greetings from the vitalpina hotels
    Claudia

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  30. awww this is such a wonderful post and a wonderful thought of you <3 your photos are so beautiful <3 congrats again for that wonderful relationship <3
    http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude
    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  31. Amazing photos! Love your style!

    http://curlyjosephine.blogspot.ba/
    https://www.instagram.com/curlyjosephine/

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  32. I couldn't agree more with saying sorry. I think most of us let our ego gets in the way but there's really nothing wrong with apologizing and moving on. Also communicate, I know that seems to be a common sense but you'll be surprise how many marriages broke down due to lack of communication.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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    1. I totally agree! Communication can be so tough especially when both people have such different ways of communications. That's definitely still a work in progress for me and will probably always be one <3 thanks for sharing babe!

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  33. I am about to wrap up my first year of marriage come September 19th next month and oh how the time flies! Marriage is a beautiful thing and it does require a lot of work, but worth every second. I just wanted to say how stunning both you and your husband look in your wedding pictures. What a day it was!
    xoxo, Simona (and indre)!

    www.sistertalessite.com

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  34. Happy Anniversary!! You are such a cute couple! Totally agree with all your points! My hubby and I have been together for almost 9 years and I believe that what you shared with us are essentials to go through the ups and the downs :)
    Wish you all the best...
    xx
    Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com

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  35. Such a lovely couple. The photos are soo lovely !
    And thanks for theses greats tips.
    xx,
    Margot
    https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/

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  36. Thanks for sharing this advice :)
    www.solasulu.com

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  37. What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your (two!) anniversaries!

    http://www.sydneyandstyle.blogspot.com

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