What I Wish I Knew Before I Got HITCHED!

My little sister is getting married in about a month. Lucky for her and for him, I already know the guy that she is marrying, so I don't have to put him in any of the wrestling moves that I have been practicing for the past 21 years of my life. Now I'll just have to save them for my nephews.

As they prepare for marriage, I have wondered what would I say to him, and what would I say to her as they prepare for the best time of their life?

Well alas, the day has come and I am ready to impart my brotherly wisdom.

Here are the THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I GOT MARRIED!

• Do one kind thing for each other every day. Something as little as pouring their cup at dinner or replacing the toilet paper when it runs out goes a long way.
  
• Before arguing, try and figure out if the other person is hungry or sleepy. If they are, fix it before moving on with the argument. You'll quickly realize that most of the anger goes away after a PB&J and a glass of milk.
  
• Before being offended, ask the other person what they intended to say. Usually they were making a joke or weren't thinking about what they were saying or how it would come across.
  
• Marriage is much more difficult than you think. My wife and I get into disagreements all the time, but have learned that it is less about one of us being wrong and more about both of us having different ideas than the other person. 
  
• Get into a habit of forgiving quickly and often. There is no substitute for humility.
  
• If you do something wrong, say you are sorry. If you think you did nothing wrong, say you are sorry. Saying sorry breaks down barriers and you can't stay mad at someone when they get those big puppy dog eyes and make their bottom lip quiver.
  
• Sex is awesome and very important and a lot of fun in marriage, but is not the most important thing. More important is how your spouse feels love. No amount of lovemaking can make someone feel loved if you don't listen to their needs outside of the bedroom. Find out how your spouse feels loved and show it to them often.
  
• Which brings up the point that people feel loved differently. I show love through gift giving while my wife feels love through quality time. This took us an awkward Christmas to figure out when my wife told me that she doesn't want to get presents.
  
• And finally, say only nice things to each other. Even a joke can hurt the other person. Sometimes things that I think are obvious jokes, don't seem that way to the other person.
  

I love you Kate and have for many years.  I am so glad to see you marrying such a nice man. The happiest years of your life are ahead of you, enjoy them. And call me if he ever hurts you.

Joseph