things that make me happy

always put each other first. think of what he needs most, and be it. think of what would make him happy, and do it. even little things. especially little things!

encourage constantly, but don’t be afraid to call him out when he’s being lame, and don’t get defensive if he calls you out for being lame – you’re on the same team.

laugh together a lot. also, kiss a lot. have sex a lot too, obviously, but i think laughing and kissing are pretty important, maybe even more important.

be honest with how you’re feeling and always tell the truth, even if its awkward or sad or scary or hard. if you’re mad, say it. if he hurt your feelings, say it. if you are so happy you can’t even stand it, say it. if you want to leave the party, say it. if you sometimes can’t believe how lucky you are to be his wife, say it. if you feel distant, say it. he can’t read your mind, don’t expect him to. be honest always. (also, dropping hints rarely works. be as straight-forward as you can get.)

save money, you will need it someday, whether for medical bills or car trouble or to take your tired butts on a vacation. it helps to have some money set aside. 

don’t talk badly about him to other people.

pray for your marriage a lot. like a lot.

if you ever have babies, make sure you figure out how to be a married couple again, and not just parents.

make time for dates and real quality time. put away your phones and computer and TV shows and have real conversations, without distractions. make time each night to hear about his day and to talk about yours.

make him dinner from time to time, even if you don’t know how to cook meat very well and you burn the rice and the dessert crumbles into oblivion. he will appreciate it so much.

realize how blessed you are and be thankful. find joy in the little things.

try to always think the best of each other. don’t assume everything was meant to hurt you and don’t take every little thing personally, because some things just aren’t (but others definitely are, and you should address those).

don’t compare your marriage to anyone else, I mean it.  

share fears and struggles and worries (rather than keeping them to yourself), and face them head-on, together. its way better than facing them alone, trust me.

be silly, have tickle fights and dance parties, jump on him when he dutch-ovens you.