When saying, "I Do"

Your wedding day. Often a day many ladies have dreamt of since they were a young girl. The dress. The flowers. The venue. Right down to getting out of the chauffeured car. Is it the influence of Disney or is it something more?

Whilst there are undoubtedly external factors that influence our desire, or not, to marry (think family, cultural, societal, advertising, film and media), I believe there is also an innate inner calling to spend our life with another.

We aren’t meant to be lone beings, we are here to share, learn and grow. This means spending time with others in order to challenge, push, care for and support us. To find that special someone to be on our team is ultra rewarding, not always easy and often not forever. But that doesn’t mean we should stop holding out hope.

When you do find your person, to then decide to commit to them at a deeper level, ups the anti of the relationship. That may or may not include marriage, but let’s focus now on those who choose to wed.

Yes, it can be referred to as just a piece of paper as some choose to down play the significance of marriage. For others it is something they fear, particularly if their parents didn’t appear to have a loving relationship or chose to separate. But for many, it is a way to commit more deeply to their love.

Sometimes this is done in front of their family and loved ones. Others choose to elope. Whichever it is for you, doesn’t reduce the significance of the act itself. To commit yourself to another is not something to be taken lightly, however nor should it be something to fear.

Provided there are two individuals, that are willing to try their hardest in the relationship, compromise, sacrifice and be vulnerable, then there’s a good chance it can work.

Relationships aren’t easy but they are worth it. They offer us a mirror and teaching at a deeper level than we can go when flying solo. If both are committed to each other and to growth then watch them bloom. The most important thing to remember, equality. You need to put into the me and the we buckets equally. Your partner is your equal. If you can do this, then you are well on the road to a successful marriage.

So, don’t give up hope of your dream but do be realistic in your expectations. And whether the relationship is for a good time or a long time, continue to work hard at being your authentic, loving self.