Introduction.
 
I’m Danielle. A millennial. I married my millennial husband the year I turned 28. We have two dogs and four turtles, no kids yet. We both work full time jobs are actively seeking ways to advance our careers. We’re rounding year four of our marriage, and although I have no regrets it certainly hasn’t been a cake walk! I find myself reflecting on all of the unwanted advice we received from seasoned married couples when we first got married. You know, the personal messages in the wedding cards you choose not to read. Or, the couple you’ve learned to avoid at church because every greeting became a coaching session. Marriage is like a job that you can’t leave. On the days you don’t feel like working, you have to find the strength to get through that day anyway.

Even after almost four years, we’re still working on a balance. Who’s turn is it to cook? What income should the latest bill come out of? Who’s job is it to change the sheets on the bed? We tried making “chores” in the beginning, which only lead to disappointment. My husband’s work schedule changes weekly, so it’s hard to set a cooking schedule. At first I would get upset that he couldn’t be home to stick to his day to cook. We were a partnership and this partner isn’t holding up their end of the agreement. I had to realize that that schedule just didn’t work for us, and it wasn’t fair to penalize him because of it. These days, I do most of the cooking since my schedule is slightly more consistent. Instead of feeling used or like I’m carrying the bigger burden, I’m enjoy having dinner ready for my husband whenever he gets off work. I’m still hit or miss with it, but now I find that on the days I’ve “missed”, I feel bad when he gets home and has nothing to eat. 

Fortunately he didn’t turn into an extreme traditionalist and all-but demand that I stay home instead of working. I respect couples that choose this option; but it ain’t my speed and I’m glad my husband accepted that. In the beginning when we talked about it, of course it had something to do with the man being the provider, but there’s nothing wrong with the wife also working and helping to provide…especially if means struggling with one income or living more comfortably off two incomes. 

Marriage is certainly not easy, but it is certainly doable. Through these posts I hope to capture our lives as married millennial's; what struggles we face and just how things go day by day. Bias? Maybe. Relatable? I’d like to think so.

Speaking of...dinner tonight: Fettuccine Alfredo with sauteed Shrimp (with broccoli)