{What I Gave Up By Getting Married}

I have heard numerous times that I would be/am giving up a lot in my life by getting married, especially getting married young. I always ignore these comments (or have something to say back to them), but tonight I decided to finally admit that I actually did give up a lot by getting married to Mike. So, here are the things I gave up because I got married:

1.       Super awkward dates

I don’t think Mike and I have actually ever had an awkward date. I love that I get to go on a date a couple times a week with the same guy, we always have a blast, and I never have anything to worry about. I am more than happy saying goodbye to those awkward relationship starters.

2.       Weekends alone

I mean, yes, I had my friends that I would hang out with, but when you’re a single girl, the main thing you are looking for on a night out is a cute guy. And there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. It was actually pretty fun. But then at the end of the night, I would go home alone wishing that I found the man of my dreams already. And when my friends were busy, I wouldn't really have anyone to hang out with. Now, Mike and I spend time together all the time and I am so beyond happy!

3.       Paying bills on my own

Actually, now that I am married and out of the house, I have a lot more bills to pay than when I was living at home. Well, WE have a lot more bills to pay. However, having two incomes makes it so much easier to pay bills for some reason. You just don’t feel like you are doing everything on your own. And if it costs me more money to be able to be married to Mike, I think that is so worth it.

4.       Wondering if I am beautiful

It’s nice hearing every day that I am beautiful no matter how I look. And I know that sounds super cliché, but he does tell me every single day that I look good or I’m pretty or beautiful. A lot of men just think it goes without saying, but I love that my husband says it to me.

5.       Dancing with “randoms”

If there is a party that has dancing, I’m there. I love dancing my heart out at parties, even though I know I’m not very good. But I love it, especially themed parties. A lot of times, being a girl, when you go to a school dance or dance party, you wonder who you are going to end up going with and dancing with. You think about how you want to be good at dancing and not embarrass yourself. And most of all, you want to have a good time with whoever you are dancing with. I absolutely love dancing with my husband. We just get each other, move well together, and just have a blast. My favorite two times dancing with him was at the Uprising Paint Fight and our first dance at our wedding.

6.       Relying on my parents for everything

I mean, I still go to them for a lot. But now I have to keep my own house clean, cook my own meals, buy my own groceries, budget our money, and all of those other duties. And Mike definitely makes that easier for me. And when I say easier, I’m meaning like makes it the easiest ever for me! He takes care of our budget and always helps me with all of the chores. We now rely on each other and I love that about our relationship.

7.       Sleeping alone

I like having something or someone next to me in bed. When I lived with my parents, it was either my dog or my stuffed giraffe, usually my dog though. I love being able to curl up next to my husband in bed with his arm around and feeling so safe and comfortable falling asleep for the night.

8.       Being selfish with my time and money

Instead of spending all my money on clothes and going out like I used to, I now am more careful about what I spend my money on. And I know a lot of people would have a hard time with this, but it’s pretty easy for me. I gladly saved up a few hundred dollars to be able to buy my husband another gun. I do that because I love him. I would rather spend my money on him and my time doing things for him. I feel like that is true love. Being married to Mike has made me want to not be selfish.

9.       My lack of self confidence

Now, this hasn't left me completely. But I have definitely felt a lot more confident being married to Michael. That kind of goes along with the “feeling beautiful” post a few paragraphs up. He makes me feel funny, pretty, sweet, and just overall amazing. He has definitely boosted my self-confidence by a ton. I just feel so loved by him. And I can’t help but show it by the huge smile he puts on my face.

10.   Dreaming of my Prince Charming…..because I found him!!!

I used to day dream about the perfect man/husband all the time. I wanted him to be tall, funny, sweet, athletic, fun, and of course handsome. I wanted a man that made me feel beautiful and incredible. I wanted a man that got along with my family and whose family welcomed me in. I wanted a man who still took me on dates and kissed me all the time. I wanted a man who I could watch play sports and feel proud that he was mine. I wanted a man who would hold me tight, kiss me on the cheek and tell me he loves me. I found that man. I found the MOST PERFECT man for me. Michael Anthony is the man of my dreams. I met him, wanted him, asked him out first, and somehow convinced him to marry me. I love that I never have to wonder again when my Prince Charming will come into my life. I now just have to look over and see him standing right next to me.

So, I did give up a lot by getting married, however, I don’t think any of them will take any getting used to. Marrying Michael was the best thing that ever happened to me.