These days, plenty of couples live together before tying the knot, meaning that you probably know your h2b inside out before you say ‘I do’. That means fewer unwelcome surprises (ugh, he shares toothbrushes?!), and more pleasant surprises. Here are our reasons why the first year of marriage can be the best…
You can enjoy your new name
Whether you’ve taken his name, he’s taken yours, or you’ve created your own brand new surname together (see: Dawn O’Porter), having a new name is a symbol of your unity as a family. Plus, you get an exciting new signature! If you decide to stick to your own surnames, then just enjoy the fact that you get two brand new titles: husband and wife.

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You’ll realise that this is for keeps
At some point, every newlywed couple has that penny-drop moment about the real commitment of marriage - it’s generally after your first big married fight, when you realise that there’s no walking away from this one. Although that may sound like a bad thing, it can actually help you put things into perspective, as little arguments seem more insignificant. Just remember to treat each other with respect even when you’re disagreeing, and avoid personal attacks.

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You become a team
One thing we hear most from newlyweds is how marriage made them feel like a unit. You’ll now have to make joint decisions together, meaning that communication is crucial. If you didn’t already, you’ll also have to share your time out equally between in-laws – remember that you’re part of the same family now, and both sides will be around for the long run! Still, as stressful as these things can be, there’s nothing like the feeling of your other half having your back, no matter what.

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You’ll feel comfortable spending time apart
Being married doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll spend 100% of your time together – in fact, you’ll probably find that you feel more comfortable being apart than before you were married. Couples often have different interests, so don’t be worried if you’re involved in separate clubs or hobbies. If you feel like you’re missing quality time with your other half, schedule in a regular ‘date night’.

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The first anniversary feels like a great achievement
Ticking off that first year will feel amazing, and you’ll be able to look back and reminisce with your partner at the year you’ve shared together and how your relationship has strengthened. Why not dig out your wedding album and look back over your favourite photos together, or visit your wedding venue? Just remember…

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The wedding planning is over!
This is sometimes one of the best things about finally being married! If you’ve been stressing and planning and prepping for what feels like years, then tying the knot can feel like a huge weight being lifted from your shoulders. If you’re the kind of bride who’s prone to post-wedding blues, then schedule fun trips and holidays (as well as your honeymoon!) with your new husband throughout the year to stop you feeling deflated.

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