Best relationship advice I've gathered (so far...)

Before I recognized what was happening, the words were spilling out of my mouth.

In a casual, easy conversation about my coworker's impending nuptials, I started to heave relationship advice all over her. She was sweet and gracious, but I don't think she expected it.

I just started talking and talking. And talking.

She may never talk to me again. I'll have to promise to stick to neutral topics: the weather, work, weekend plans... um, maybe more about the weather.

I feel terrible for pummelling her with all of my tips, so I've decided to give you the choice to read about the best relationship advice I've gathered and tried (and continue to try...) after the jump!

Give yourself time to adjust.

Getting married can be weird.

After all, there's another person bursting into the bathroom while you're in it, foreign underwear showing up in the laundry and fewer opportunities to lay spread eagle in your bed. (At least, you probably shouldn't lay spread eagle. That may not win you any brownie points.)

Even though I've been shacked up with Hubs for two years already, I still have moments where everything seems a bit surreal. (...but always awesome) It's okay to give yourself time to get used to it. (Although, you may never get used to another person's bathroom smells. It's okay to never get used to that.)

Save the mind-reading for psychics, instead of your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend.

Sometimes I wish I could read Hubs' mind. Chances are good there'll be plenty about working out, building stuff and playing video games. He'd likely see lots about running, writing and, lately, Harry Potter in my mind. I'm reading the last book already, wishing I was a wizard - although, as a woman, would I technically be a witch? J.K. hasn't made that entirely clear... Or else that was one of the pages I skimmed.

Sometimes life would be easier if we could read each other's minds. But we can't. The easiest way to deal with everything is to talk it out. Talk about the big stuff and the small, seemingly insignificant stuff too. 

Axe the double standards

Oy. This one is tricky.

When we were first married, I hoped that Hubs would change in ways that I felt he should because... well... I'm a terrible person. I wanted to get my way. I thought it'd make life easier.

Then, one day, it hit me.

I want Hubs to accept me just as I am. And he does. Why couldn't I do the same for him? I'd instantly reject any changes/expectations from him that weren't "me." What made me think that I could expect Hubs to change while I expected him to accept me just as I am?

When I let that stupidity foolish double-standard go and started to love Hubs for exactly who he is (and not who I think he "should be"), my frustrations minimized, our fights decreased and I fell even more in love with him.

*cue 'Unchained Melody' or 'My Heart Will Go On.' I feel like we need some cheesy music to end this post. Suggestions will be accepted in the comments. But, it's not actually the end. Part Two is coming tomorrow. (Honestly, I really didn't stop talking at this poor girl...)