7 Subtle Things That Change After Marriage

Once you get married, you automatically assume that the things you’re used to will change in a significant way–that’s why you prepare and get all your ducks in a row. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding or a year-long, prepped gala, the marriage part always seems to throw everyone for a loop.

The obvious changes include addressing each other as husband and wife, assigning responsibilities in the household, realizing that you can’t break up without a lawyer present, and having to actually share your money without a legitimate reason to resent the idea.

# The power dynamic becomes more significant

Who wears the pants? The answer is both, but there are some things that cannot be changed due to society’s influence. Women are still paid less, so they have to work harder. Men are expected to provide, but some women earn more than their spouses.

The success of your relationship depends on how much you do or don’t care about these sorts of things. Honestly speaking, it’s still a prevalent issue among married couples.

# Spending habits become transparent

Unless there’s a pre-nup, everything you spend can and will be scrutinized by your partner. You don’t realize how important it is until one of you blows the whistle on excessive spending or unnecessary purchases.

# The idea of sex changes

Sex every day? Hell yeah! But that can become a problem when couples stop being innovative in the bedroom. Too much of a good thing can be bad–especially if you don’t cultivate a loving connection with your partner.

# There’s a looming expectation for a child–or a discussion about having one

While a lot of people are considering not having children these days, there are even more who expect it out of marriage. Humans are genetically programmed to procreate, and marriage puts that very huge elephant right smack in the middle of the presidential table at the wedding venue.

# Fighting requires a quick resolution

This is not like when you were in a relationship and you could cool down in your apartment, with your phone on silent. You are living with your partner, and the fights that start need to be resolved before you call it a night. Always remember the tried and tested adage, “Never go to bed angry.”

# You start hating and needing your partner’s presence at the same time

Living in close quarters can be exhausting for couples, especially if they’re new to the situation. The honeymoon phase lasts a year for most couples, so the next phase is usually transitioning into a family. This means having to see the same person day in and day out, hating them at times, but loving them more than you ever did.

# How you spend your time

Married couples are pressured to engage in activities that cater to both spouses. It’s probable that the cause is the new label, but it just goes to show that being married changes how you perceive your daily activities.