dating anniversary + how to have a happy marriage. according to lori.

this week was the anniversary of mine and the hubs first date. on february 22, 2006 {about a week after we met} we went for a quick weeknight dinner at the brick {greg was in training class for work all week and i had schoolwork to do}. i wore my suitemate's khakis and yellow polo button down and greg wore jeans and a blue polo shirt. i was so nervous that i barely touched my chicken finger appetizer. conversation flowed easily and we immediately started dated exclusively.

 that was SIX years ago.

{our very first picture taken together. i was 19, he was 21}

since obviously i am an expert a slightly credible source i thought it would be fun to post a little about what i've learned to be the secrets to a successful, happy marriage {seriously, we've {almost} been married 2 years ya'll... that's an eternity in hollywood}.

laugh together.
he will leave the seat up. and you will undoubtedly fall in the toilet at least once in the middle of the night. your husband will probably laugh his head off when you tell him about your wet tushie problems at 2 am- try to laugh about it, too. (and next time, look before you squat)

pick your battles/don't nag.
he will be a repeat offender of at least one thing that drives you nuts. (for me, its socks on the floor. for some reason, the hubs will NEVER ever put his smelly socks in the dirty clothes).
give up complaining about it.

don't clean too often.
seriously. you want your hard work appreciated, so wait JUST long enough so your efforts do not go unnoticed.

compromise. 
slowly get rid of the items from your man's bachelor days- but let him keep that ONE thing he loves. (for my hubs- it is an old stretched out CAT tshirt). i got rid of all of the shirts with cut off sleeves, light wash jeans, ratty old boxer shorts, and faded polo shirts and he got to keep his beloved tshirt. its all about compromise, people ;)

on a more serious note, i leave you with these three pieces of advice...

1. surround yourself with healthy, happy couples who are supportive of your marriage.

2. don't compare yourself to other couples. i believe that every couple has their struggles and every relationship is different.

3. never ever talk badly about each other on social media. it is amazing how often i log into facebook and see people trash talking their significant other. nothing good comes of it.