5 Things I have learned in 5 years of marriage.

Sal and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary last night and had a blast. We went to this amazing steakhouse and seriously some of the best food EVER! A little pricey but worth every penny!!! The place was called Savannah's and the one we went to was across the street from South Coast Plaza! It was a very romantic setting and Sal and I joked that it looks like a high end restaurant that rich men take their mistresses. The food was to die for (the shrimp scampi appetizer was the best EVER!) and I loved that every time I took a drink of water, the waiter was there to fill up my water glass. I especially love when they come around at the end of your main course and use the crumber to clean off the table! If you ever want a romantic dinner, you need to try this place. The good thing about it, is you can still dress pretty casual for a really nice restaurant.

All day yesterday, I was thinking what I have learned while being married. Here is what I came up with:

1. Always communicate! Express your feelings and don't be afraid of how the other person is going to react. If you feel the other person is going to get upset, rehearse what you are going to say before saying it.! I have learned that Sal isn't going to judge me when I express my feelings. It took me a while to really learn this one.

2. LAUGH!!! Laughter helps avoid arguments or disagreements. Sometimes when Sal and I feel an argument coming on, we just start saying random things and then laugh about, avoiding any type of argument. Again, took a while for this one to kick in!

3. Don't keep secrets! Sal is honest with me and will tell me anything, even if it might be something I don't want to hear. I would rather hear it now than later! I kept my credit card debt a secret from Sal for a long time and now that I told him (and it is gone!!), I feel so much better and I really feel our relationship is so much better!

4. Don't stress over the small things. If the dishes don't get done right away or laundry piles up, don't get mad. I am the one guilty of this! But I have realized that those things can wait and eventually they will get done. I have realized when I stress, arguments happen.

5. Keep the friendship alive! Sometimes with busy schedules and routines, it is hard to remember that you are friends. People say keep the romance alive, which is also a great way to a happy marriage, but I think you need to remember that you are friends also. This is one is hard to explain but you just have to learn to be comfortable around each other!

I asked Sal what he learned in 5 years of marriage and here is what he said (disclaimer: his are more short and sweet and much more funny but very important!)

1. Don't get butt hurt!

2. Don't argue, especially over stupid little things. (Note: Sal and I once got in an argument over how to spell a word. LAME!!!) We don't argue that much any more. I really can't remember the last time we argued.

3. When watching a movie and wanting to share a good laugh, don't fall asleep! (this one applies to me. I tend to fall asleep in movies and Sal gets so bothered. I am working on it!).

4. Show affection!

5. LAUGH! We both agree on this one.

I would like to hear what you have learned in marriage or in your relationships! I am always interested in what works for other couples!