How to Deal With Post-Wedding Blues

When the dress is put away, the cake topper is tucked away in the freezer and you're ready to settle down into your new married life, don't be surprised if you're suddenly hit with a case of post-wedding blues. It's a big adjustment to go from a busy engaged couple to a happily married couple, and it's only natural to feel out of sorts during the transition.

Read on for some steps you can take to help you deal with the post-wedding blues.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ease yourself into the transition. For quite a while you've busied yourself with plans for the wedding and it can be a bit of a let-down once the hustle and bustle ends. But that doesn't mean you have to go cold turkey! Take some time to go through your wedding photos. Have fun fitting in your new wedding gifts into your home. Talk about the wedding day with your husband and friends and family. The big event may be over but you can still enjoy it.

2. If you paid for your own wedding or honeymoon or contributed to it financially, you may have sticker shock once the excitement winds down and you're looking at the bills rolling in. Now would be a good time to sit down with your new spouse and figure out a household budget and a plan for getting the wedding bills paid in a timely fashion. Money conversations can be difficult and hopefully you're already familiar with each other's money styles. Just remember that you're in this together and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

3. It's normal to feel a sense of loss for the first little while. Yes, you've gained a wonderful partner for life, but you've also let go of the single person you once were. Life won't be the same again but it is something new and exciting. Even so, you may be mourning your old life for a bit. Be kind to yourself. Don't worry that this means that you don't love your partner; it's just a natural part of the transition from being single to becoming married.

4. If the two of you didn't live together before marriage, finding your way in your new household can seem challenging. It's going to take some time for each of you to find your place and there will be times that you don't agree or you butt heads on some issues. It's ok. It will all work out in time, just remember to keep the lines of communication open. Let the other person know how you're feeling and commit to working the kinks out together.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry if you feel down for up to a couple of months after the wedding. If your blues last longer than this, though, you should seek help from a professional.

[GreenMomma]

on 6/17/2008 I'm now happily celebrating my 4th anniversary, there are many ups and downs from the start all the way to the death till you part end. This "blues" is just normal stuff that everyone goes through, if you're lucky like me, that's the worst of it!

[JRIngrisano]

on 12/15/2007 Good piece. My daughter had a wonderful wedding and a terrific honeymoon. When they got home, they felt a bit let down by the routine, mundane side of life.

[CCrock]

on 12/15/2007 Great article! I'm coming up on my 1 year anniversary and I definantly identified with some of the points you made! Some people have such a hard time adjusting to all their little quirks, it they don't feel that happily ever after married bliss until after a few months or a year...once they've settled into everything.