20 things I learned in the past 20 months.

In the past year and 8 months of marriage I have learned so many life lessons. I thought I would share a few of them with you.

1. If you want a clean house never ever adopt a dog or you will sweep your house 3x a day and you'll still find fur everywhere.

2. Sometimes you have to laugh at jokes that aren't even that funny just to make your spouse happy.

3. Every now and then you should let your husband choose what movie to watch... even if it is a bloody, boring, 3-hour long war movie. You never know, tomorrow night he might just let you pick out a rom-com.

4. A date night in can be so much more fun than a date night out.

5. Making time for each other doesn't come naturally and oftentimes requires planning and dedication.

6. Discuss, don't argue or fight.

7. The smallest gestures of kindness can mean more than huge declarations of love. Washing the dishes, bringing home a Snickers bar, ironing, and other thoughtful things go a long way

8. Have a childish heart (and sense of humor). When you get married it sometimes feels like people automatically expect you to act like mature, serious adults, but having fun and keeping a light and playful attitude can make all the difference in a marriage. Never ever take life too seriously.

9. Go on adventures, learn new things, or eat somewhere different together. Getting into ruts and routines can be easy and it is important to keep your relationship alive.

10. Even if you're jealous, be proud and happy of your spouse above all. This goes for winning a game of Monopoly, getting to 2048 first, or for having a natural talent at guitar-playing or photography.

11. Learn your own strengths and weaknesses and work off those. I'm a horrible phone-talker. Thiago is great at it. Thiago is not so good at washing dishes quickly. I'm like the flash. Work together.

12. Be nice.

13. Realize that this is YOUR marriage. No one else can tell you what to do. Advice is great, but the decision is ultimately up to you... and you'll know what to do when the time is right. The only people who run your household and your family are you and your huband.

14. Prioritize your marriage above work, friends, and even family. This is your new family and you need to take care of it more than anything.

15. Be intentional. Make a decision to love your husband because some days you won't feel like it and you won't feel in love. Love takes work and it's hard, but it is so worth it.

16. Resolve conflicts and fights as soon as possible.

17. Listen. Pay attention. Notice body language. Understand what they're trying to say and pay attention to the things unsaid.

18. Nagging is inevitable. But it can be done in a friendly way.

19. Don't worry too much about money. There is enough money in the world to go around. Go out, have fun. Save some money, be responsible, but don't get your knickers in a wad. When you need a date, go on a date.

20. There is no such thing as a soul-mate or The One. Find someone who will encourage you, love you, has the same priorities and wants the same things. Find someone who makes you laugh and gives really good hugs and kisses. Find someone who brings out the best in you and makes you proud to be yourself. But realize, too, that nobody is perfect and you shouldn't expect perfection. Be forgiving and learn together from your mistakes. You become perfect for each other, but your aren't born for each other.