Things change after you get married. Love or arranged, it doesn’t matter–marriage changes people as they grow and mature together as a couple. In my experience, however, love marriages come with a whole different set of expectations. To all those who promise their significant others status quo after marriage, here’s a reality check: that’s not how the real world works. Change is the only constant, and so we are bound to change. So, let’s face it and be more practical about the surprises that marriage throws at us. Here, we list a few things that unexpectedly change after you tie the knot:
1. Friday nights mean grocery shopping expeditions
Not every Friday night leads to a party or social gathering like it used to when you were dating. After getting married, most of my Friday nights and weekends have been dominated by grocery runs. Yes, reality hits hard when you find yourself bargaining with a sabziwala instead of strutting down that restaurant in heels.
2. Sex can wait!
People assume that marriage gives you easy access to have sex everyday. Well, sorry to break it to you: it doesn’t! Consent reigns supreme even after marriage, and no couple can have sex everyday. If not today, it can happen tomorrow or the day after. There’s no rush and it’s absolutely not mandatory. Sex, my friends, can wait.
3. Movie dates are now about Netflix
After you get married, movie dates are no longer about first day first show. In fact, you find more comfort wrapped in a cozy blanket, with a series streaming on Netflix, and a chilled beer in hand. The rage of series that online platforms offer these days makes you lazier than usual–so you nip the urge to step out and binge watch at home with bae instead.
4. You devote less time to friends
The time you used to spend with your friends is reduced considerably. You don’t do it deliberately, but eventually you end up focusing more on your marriage, yourself, and your partner. Above all, your house. In the process of doing that, we often end up cancelling on plans or meeting friends every week like we used. I am not saying that’s a good thing, but it is what it is.
5. Late-night drives are now late-night walks
After marriage, it’s all about finding joy in the simplest of things. For me, late-night drives became late-night walks after dinner. Trust me, it’s as romantic as a romantic drive. Romance matures with time and for all the good.
