TILL DEATH DO US COMPROMISE

Ah, marriage—a lifelong journey that begins with a promise and often includes a healthy dose of compromise along the way. It's the institution that brings together 'his & hers' into 'ours,' sometimes with a few unexpected twists.

Marriage vows are like a contract—binding, serious, and occasionally ominous. "Til death do us part" sounds more like a decree from the judge in a courtroom drama than a romantic pledge. It's that moment when love meets legality, and suddenly, 'forever' takes on a whole new meaning. Sure, it's meant to be romantic, but after a few decades, it can start sounding a bit like a life sentence in a hilarious sitcom.

Ah, the merging of belongings—'his & hers' becomes 'ours'... sometimes. From the battle of the toothpaste tube to the war over closet space, sharing isn't always caring. Who knew that socks could cause such marital discord? But hey, compromise is the name of the game, right? Even if 'his side' of the bed seems to creep onto 'her side' every night.

Speaking of compromise, it's the art of giving up your way to find 'our way.' Whether it's deciding on whether to have pineapple on your pizza or choosing paint colours for the living room (which somehow turns into a discussion worthy of a UN peace negotiation), compromise keeps the peace. Because let's face it, nobody wants a heated debate over throw pillows.

They say a pet is good practice for parenthood. You start with a goldfish, graduate to a cat or a dog, and suddenly, you're debating baby names. Pets teach responsibility—like remembering to feed them, clean up after them, and occasionally wondering if they secretly judge your Netflix choices.

In-laws: the bonus family you didn't choose but got anyway. They're the surprise package that comes with your beloved spouse. Whether they're meddling or marvellous, navigating in-law dynamics can feel like a never-ending game show. You win some, you lose some, and occasionally, you wonder if they secretly auditioned for a reality TV series on family drama.

Anniversaries are like surprise quizzes in the school of marriage: you know they’re coming, but they still manage to sneak up on you. The key challenge is remembering the date—a task that tests not just memory but also creativity in last-minute gift shopping. Forgetting an anniversary is akin to stepping on a marital landmine; even the most heartfelt “I love you” might not defuse it.

For some, it’s a grand affair with fancy dinners, gifts, and heartfelt toasts. For others, it’s a high-five over takeout and a mutual agreement to postpone celebrations until the weekend. And then there are the real pros, who craft excuses like, “I was waiting for a surprise discount on flowers” or “I wanted the dinner reservation to be extra special, so I aimed for next month.” Marriage truly trains you to be a creative strategist.

In the early days, bedtime is all romance and cuddles, as though every night is a scene from a rom-com. Fast forward a few years, and it’s a logistical puzzle of pillows, blankets, and personal space. One of you runs hot, the other cold, and suddenly you’re negotiating duvet territories like diplomats at a climate summit. Snoring adds a whole new dimension. Earplugs, white noise machines, and sometimes outright relocation to the couch become survival tactics. Cuddling morphs into the “don’t-touch-me-but-stay-close-enough-so-I-know-you’re-there” position, while one partner inevitably contorts into a human pretzel to avoid the full-body starfish pose of the other. Romance isn’t dead—it’s just learned the value of a good night’s sleep.

Understanding love languages is like cracking the Enigma code of relationships. Acts of service, for instance, sound simple—until you realise they’re open to interpretation. Is it romantic to unload the dishwasher without being asked, or does that fall under “basic adulting”? Does taking out the trash count as foreplay in the language of love, or is it just part of the chore wheel? And then there’s the perennial debate over coffee in bed. Sure, it’s a sweet gesture, but what if they bring your coffee in your least favourite mug? Or forget the sugar? Acts of service sometimes feel like a pop quiz in knowing your partner’s exact preferences, which can range from endearing to downright intimidating. In the end, love languages are less about grand gestures and more about the little things: sharing the remote, listening to rants about coworkers, and yes, even picking up their favourite snack at the grocery store. Sometimes, the ultimate act of service is just not eating the last slice of pizza.

In the end, marriage is a rollercoaster ride of love, laughter, and the occasional "Are you serious?" moment. It's about embracing the quirks, navigating the challenges, and realising that even on the days when you can't agree on anything, you wouldn't want to face life's adventures with anyone else. Because in the comedy of life, marriage is the punchline that keeps us laughing, loving, and occasionally rolling our eyes.

So, here's to marriage: where 'forever' means forever, and every day is a new chapter in the book of 'us.' Cheers to the journey, the laughter, and the shared moments that make it all worthwhile. And remember, if all else fails, there's always Netflix and takeout pizza.