We made it y’all! One year down, 99 to go haha. In all seriousness, going into marriage was an exciting yet challenging adventure that often involved more than just lovey-dovey moments. In our first year of wedded thrills, my husband and I discovered the importance of tackling some less-discussed aspects of married life. Here are five important things we did that contributed to a healthier and happier first year of marriage:
1. Bought Life Insurance:
While not the most romantic topic, securing life insurance turned out to be an absolute necessity for us. Mainly because it gave us both peace and confidence in our financial future. Navigating the options with our insurance agent helped us determine the right coverage for our needs. Protecting each other financially in case of unforeseen circumstances was something we prioritized as a part of our commitment after marriage.
A Few Benefits of Getting Life Insurance:
– Peace of mind for both partners.
– Protection for the financial assets you are building or plan to build in the future.
– Opens the conversation for financial lifestyle expectations from a realistic persepctive.
2. Continued Couples Therapy:
We had a really great experience with pre-marital counseling and decided to continue to build on that by keeping up with quarterly check-ins post “I DO.” This ongoing commitment has helped us navigate healthy communication habits, tackle grief, and handle career transitions—all within our first year of marriage. The truth is that you never know what life is going to throw at you and being proactive about emotional/mental check-ins prior to things spiraling out of control is always a good idea.
3. Hired a Financial Planner:
Recognizing the significance of finances in marriage, we made the choice to invest in a financial planner. It took a minute to find the right fit, but the knowledge we have gained about wealth and the overall health of our conversations around money have been invaluable. We talk about money OFTEN and I hope we keep it that way.
4. Praying Together Daily:
Initiated by our premarital counselors, daily prayer together has become something we make a point to do in our relationship. While we’re not perfect and occasionally miss a day (or two), praying together keeps humility, heart posture, and love at the forefront. It’s also an often overlooked way to learn more about each other’s desires and priorities.
5. Weekly Date Nights:
Yes, it might sound cliché, but carving out time for weekly date nights has proven to be essential for us. The truth is when I do not get to spend uninterrupted time with my husband I am not my best self lol. So, despite the challenges that come up, getting dressed up and going out is what we do! This keeps the dating feel in our relationship a live and ensures that our marriage stays fun!
While these five things are by no means a perect guide to a happy marriage, they’ve definitely contributed to the health and happiness of ours. Our first year taught us that marriage requires daily effort, a commitment to success, and a willingness to invest—both financially and emotionally.
Okay OG wives, what did you learn in your first year of marriage?
