Sean and I are celebrating our 1 year anniversary this weekend and we couldn’t be more excited. It has been a fun and eventful year that has really brought us close. Thinking back to this week, 1 year ago, brings so many happy memories. We were so excited to get married, obviously a bit anxious to begin this new adventure, but beyond ready.

I wanted to write a quick post (mainly for ourselves) with a few things we have learned in the past year so that we can look back and remember these little tidbits of wisdom. 

First, the importance of remembering that you are on the same team. Anytime there is a disagreement or argument of any kind, remember to work together to solve that problem and don’t let it cause unnecessary contention. Watch your tone, talk it out, it’s you two against the world, you’ll always figure it out. “It is always more important to be kind than to be right.” If you find yourself having petty arguments just to prove to your spouse that they’re wrong…stop. You’re a team, support each other, build each other up. Whatever you have to say, say it nicely and move on.

Another important thing that we (mainly I) have worked on this year is learning when to voice opinions and problems and when to just let things go. There is a very fine balance here and sometimes it does test your trust in your partner. Just because they don’t do things exactly like you (like loading the dishwasher or doing the laundry) doesn’t mean that they are wrong and need a lesson, they are simply doing it their way and with most things, that’s just fine. Don’t get me wrong, there are certainly important issues that need to be addressed in a marriage, but one thing I’ve learned this year is to take a step back, trust Sean, and not sweat the small stuff, it certainly makes for a less stressed Liz. 

This leads to my next thought – you are on the same team, but you are not the same person and you don’t have to be. Sean and I are very different, we are 4 years apart, we grew up on completely opposite coasts, we have different likes & dislikes, he has probably watched more Food Network than he ever thought he would and I have learned more about sports than I ever cared to know, and it’s OK, it’s fun! We agree on the things that matter and the rest we get to learn and talk about and it makes our relationship exciting! I love going to Orange Theory and to dinner with my girls, he loves to yell at the TV during Oregon football games. It is never boring in this McGetrick house and I love it. 

The next two things aren’t just tidbits of advice but actual actions that have made the world of difference for us. 

First, finding joy in serving each other. The day I realized how blessed I was to have the opportunity to make the bed that we share and wash Sean’s dirty socks, my life changed. Realizing how blessed I am to have Sean as my husband and to be able to show my love for him through service, makes those mundane tasks like washing the dishes and doing the laundry just a little more special. We are so blessed and doing small things for each other just brings even more joy to our marriage. I did not think that acts of service was one of my love languages because I’m pretty independent and I like doing most things for myself, but the day I came out and saw Sean folding the laundry, oh man did that make me feel loved. It’s the same feeling I get when he makes us dinner and tells me I’m not allowed to help, but to sit on the couch and relax instead. If you are like me, let your partner serve you every now and then and see how you feel. 

Finally, the one thing that we have done since the beginning of our marriage that I love, is pray together at night. It’s the perfect ending to each day, where we can express our gratitude and also pray for things that we are struggling with. Prayer helps our communication in so many ways. We talk about hard things, we talk about exciting things, and we pray about them. Our future, our family, our jobs, everything. It’s special. 

Marriage is definitely a humbling experience full of learning and growth. It’s probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is also the most important commitment I will ever make, so it makes sense that it takes a lot of work to make it great.

This past year has been the absolute best and happiest of my life. Sean is truly the best teammate and friend. He is so supportive of my hopes and dreams, he pushes me to be my absolute best self, and he constantly reminds me that there is nothing we can’t do if we work together. I love that we can have serious, deep, thought provoking conversations and also be totally silly and goofy too. He really does bring out the best in me. I love you forever Sean!

ONE year down and the best is yet to come!!