This bridal shower was so sweet!
I really felt loved and like I was a part of the women of the family I'm marrying into. And I had a great time with all of the other women I've known forever! My mother in law made me a photo album of my husband to be from birth to now and that was the sweetest thing to have. And we went around and everyone gave me advice about life/marriage. It was great!
Here is the advice:
Brandy—be prepared and think ahead. You can turn hard bumps in the road into soft ones. Hold on to yourself. You are beautiful, smart, amazing. Compromise is good, but hold on to who you are and your values, so that Davis knows you for who you are and not a reflected ideal. It’s not “un-Christian” to take time for yourself and be your own person. (Analogy of two boats floating down a river, separate but together).
Jenny—compromise and be on the same level of communication. Go to bed arguing is fine, but wake up and talk to each other the next day. “It’s about talking.” Money is one of the silliest things to fight over. Cook meals together. Merge as a couple, but don’t lose yourself. Do things apart from each other and share what you’re learning. Share memories and lessons. Grow and do, come back and share.
Laura—Compromise and show a softer side. Keep God as the tapestry of your marriage. Pray for and with each other; it keeps you together. Communication is key. Communicate your feelings. “Do yourself a favor and love your husband.” Love him for who he is and let him be himself.
Jessica—don’t forget to brush your teeth! Don’t sweat the small stuff. Call me if you need anything! Take time for yourself. Don’t clutter your house. “Keep the memories, not the ticket stubs.”
Jenine—keep your girlfriends! Establish good relationships. Be a listener. Listen with your heart. Don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions. Listen fully, talk less.
Julie—don’t forget about you. Keep a good address book. Stay in contact. Look ahead. Look for the next opportunity/adventure. Work hobbies together. Don’t get too comfortable.
Alyssa—continue pursuing your passions. Keep the big arguments/discussions behind closed doors. Work out small arguments in front of the kids, but keep big ones between you with the help of other adults around you. Make your home a safe haven. Be accountable to other adults. Continue to cultivate your personality.
Kathleen—wait to have kids. Read to kids every night. Find a good babysitter! Teach your kids as much as you can. Make them work when they get older. Teach them the value of money. Be wise with money.
Grandma Pat—Keep God in the forefront. Remember that money is a tool, not an end to all. You may end up having none. Learn how to budget. Budget by categories, and when the money for that category is gone, it’s gone. Work around it. Compromise.
Grandma Katherine—be your own person. Make time for yourself. Take a bubble bath, read poetry, relax, respect privacy. Don’t forget how to say “I’m sorry”. Take a time-out, get with yourself and get with God, then come back to the table. Want the marriage to work. Don’t make it expensive, but keep the romance. Be sweet.
