To the Bride: (given by the author)
1. Boys are gross. You can change some things, but not everything. You have to decide to be ok with that and not nag him to death.
2. When in the middle of an argument mentally assess exactly why you are mad and what made you upset. Say it out loud, calmly.
3. Even though the Bible says “Let no the sun go down on your wrath.” It doesn’t mean to beat the problem out until you are both too tired and frustrated to go on. It means that you decide to stop being mad and then you go to bed.
4. Be silly together.
5. Always tell the truth.
6. Forgive before they ask for it.
7. Let him be silent and don’t get mad when he is. But, after you let him be silent, make him talk.
8. Correct/address your tone before getting mad at his.
9. Marriage is not all unicorns and flowers and that’s ok. Getting through the rough parts together makes you closer on the other side. “The commitment that gets you through is more important than the shiney romantic bubble.”
To the Groom: (given by the author’s “other”)
1. Make your own love story, don’t just try to copy or model the stories of others.
2. Listen to all of the advice you are given even if you think you won’t use it all..
3. You will have opportunities everyday to love your wife. Take advantage of these opportunities. I’m not just referring to the moments when you feel like you love her and everything is good. But also in the moments when you don’t feel like it and after arguments when you are confused whether you really love her or not.
4. Be the same person in every place. Don’t try to appear to be someone that in your own house you aren’t.
5. Don’t let your emotions guide you in the relationship.
6. If you are wrong ask for forgiveness sincerely.
7. If she is wrong don’t rub it in her face.
8. Help her grow and try to know her well so you can be more effective in her life.
9. Spend time with her, Talk, Laugh, rest together.
10. Take the time to give her things or call her when she isn’t expecting it and not only on special days like her birthday or anniversary.
11. Be her best friend.
12. Share chores in the house.
13. Ask her how her day was and care enough to listen.