How to Cohabit After Marriage

Congratulations, you've survived your wedding! And now for the question on every newlywed's mind after the honeymoon bags are unpacked and reality sinks in: How do I live with this person? How do you go from rolling in the sand to sharing a checking account? How do you keep the romance alive when you realize he's thrown your delicates in with the towels or she's rearranged your Star Wars collection? Read these steps and you'll keep that newlywed glow for years to come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated. It sounds too simple, but it works. Always remember to say "Please" and "Thank You". Just be considerate and your spouse will appreciate it and respond in kind.
2. Share chores. Marriage takes work… Decide early on how you want chores split up. For example: When it's cleaning time, divide out the rooms each of you will clean. Make a night of it, add wine and loud music to make it fun. Scrubbing a toilet is much more enjoyable if there's a glass of wine nearby!
3. Argue to resolve conflict, not to win. Winning an argument usually means losing precious time together. It's just not worth it. Try to resolve your issues calmly. Count to ten, twenty or fifty if you need to. You may even need to go in another room or take a walk. But don't say anything you'll regret later, because your spouse won't forget it even if he or she knows you didn't mean it. Arguing can be good for a relationship if the issues are resolved and both of you are mindful of the other person's feelings. You will become even closer and more intimate.
4. Learn the concept of "our" money. This is a tough one. Being married means thinking in terms of "us", not "I". As in, "We need money to fix the roof" not "I need money for a new video game console." The easiest way to handle money is to have the one who is good with money work up a budget. Both of you go over it and see if you agree where your money should go. Then FOLLOW IT.
5. Do the little things you used to do for each other when you were still dating. Remember when she used to leave you funny little notes? Remember when he used to surprise you with your favorite candy? You may live together, but you're not brother and sister. Keep the romance alive.
6. Laugh at your spouse's quirks. It's really easy to let yourself become irritated with the little "quirks" you notice once you start living together. If you are messy, you may get annoyed sometimes with your clean freak spouse. But you know what? It's probably really hard for a neat person to live a messy person. And vice versa. Just say to yourself whenever you find yourself getting annoyed: I'm No Bargain To Live With Either!