Problems Every Couple Faces In The First Year Of Marriage

You’ve officially tied the knot and you are now bound together by the ties of holy matrimony. Everything you’ve devoted your spare time to in the past year since the proposal has finally come together in the most magical and happiest day of your lives. As you move forward through the journey of life together, there are certain things you’ll realize are a little different in married life versus what it was like as a unmarried, yet committed, couple. Many couples experience similar issues that arise during the first year of marriage, and those who are able to work through it will ultimately be able to strengthen their relationships for the long term. Here are 7 common first year of marriage problems and suggestions on how to work things out. 

1. Money and finances

Now that you are a married couple, you are likely going take on the mentality of “what’s mine is yours.” This can be a very stressful shift for some people, especially if one of you makes significantly more money than the other. Learning how to balance your spending habits and your financial situation is a tough hurdle that every newlywed couple will have to get over. 

If you find yourselves disagreeing or arguing about your finances, it’s absolutely crucial for you two to sit down and have an open discussion about your values and goals, both personally and as a married couple. What do you care most about for both short term and long term plans? Do you prefer to spend more on big vacations, shopping sprees, fitness or other recreational activities? Do you want to buy a house in the next five years? How much of your money will go into the joint bank account? These types of questions will help you determine what your individual ideas and goals are and help you set the groundwork for your spending habits. You are both responsible for establishing, setting and following through with your financial goals. By working together as a team, you’ll be able to adjust to your new financial situation in a way that works well for both of you. 

2. In-laws

A common stereotype of married life is having to deal with horrible in-laws. Ideally you will have already experienced what it’s like to interact with your in-laws in high-stress situations during the wedding planning process, but there’s always the possibility that your personalities will clash even when you’re married. When a problem involving your in-laws presents itself, communicate with your partner that you are feeling tension. Remember to be respectful – after all, these are your partner’s parents – but learn to set boundaries on how much input each set of in-laws should be allowed to have in your marital life. Have an open dialog with your parents and in-laws about what these boundaries are. With clear and open communication, you will be able to not only start your own family, but maintain your existing families as well. 

3. Time management and schedules

Now that you are a married couple, you may expect to spend more and more time together. This may cause your spouse to become too clingy and you to begin to resent one another. It’s important to maintain your existing friendships and lives outside of each other even after you’re married. Set realistic expectations that work for both of you; for example, instead of expecting to have dinner together every night, plan to have dinner a few nights a week so that neither of you feels restricted by expectations. Continue participating in your regular hobbies and activities – if one of you feels left out, invite each other to join or encourage him to take on a new hobby of his own. Balancing schedules to include time apart for both of you is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and happy marriage.