A BED OF ROSES

        

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    Marriage is often compared to a beautiful rose garden. Roses are undeniably stunning, but they also have thorns. Just like the roses, marriage is a beautiful thing, but it's not without its challenges. People are complex and ever-changing, so a perfect marriage is unrealistic.

Before we get married, we tend to have romanticized expectations. We envision a life filled with endless happiness and unwavering love. While optimism is great, it's important to be realistic and address any red flags during courtship. Remember, "love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener."

Sadly, many marriages today face harsh realities. After the wedding bells fade, couples come face-to-face with who they truly married. Personalities unfold, and what once seemed perfect can become a source of irritation.

There's no one-size-fits-all guide to marriage. Therapists can't predict every issue, social media is a highlight reel, and even married friends might be struggling themselves.

Marriage requires constant effort. Positive affirmations can inspire you, but it's the daily work that truly matters. Sacrifices, patience, tolerance, and compromise are all necessary ingredients. You'll see your spouse's flaws, but true love means sticking by them and helping them become a better version of themselves.

Yes, marriage is a bed of roses, but thorns are inevitable. Every beautiful rose has them. Just as you carefully pluck a rose to avoid being pricked, navigate marital challenges with care.

Conflict is natural in any relationship. People come from different backgrounds and have unique perspectives, values, and beliefs. These differences can surface during dating, but sometimes we simply sweep them under the rug with a kiss or a hug. However, these issues tend to resurface with a vengeance after marriage.

Ending a marriage is significantly harder than ending a dating relationship, especially with children involved. Children in a dissolving marriage can feel vulnerable and confused, sometimes even blaming themselves. Remember, you're not just marrying someone's looks; you're marrying their entire package – their weaknesses, biases, fears, and insecurities. Many of these things only come to light after marriage.

Here's where true maturity comes in. Accept your spouse's flaws, just as they (hopefully) accept yours, and work towards becoming better than you were before the marriage. As long as they treat you with respect and don't diminish your self-worth, you can work through most issues.

Marriage is indeed a bed of roses, but it's up to you how you choose to lie in it. Don't compare your garden to others. Focus on nurturing your own marriage by "watering" it with love and effort, and "pruning" out negativity. Little by little, day by day, with patience and a lot of love and understanding, you may get a fairy-tale happily-ever-after. Cheers to a great marriage.