9.
“I knew marriage wasn’t all fun and games and that it was more than a ring with a shared living space. What I learned is that it takes communication, honesty, and willingness not to be embarrassed to share yourself and/or how you feel about something with your spouse. Marriage also needs a strong understanding and relationship with yourself to prepare for this lifetime commitment.”
“To escape my abusive father, I met a guy at 20 and moved in with him after two weeks of dating. Because of how angry I was at him for the abuse and my siblings for not protecting me, I alienated everyone while our father convinced me I was unwanted by the family due to being neurodivergent. I cheated on my boyfriend, stole his money, and gave him even lower self-esteem. In 2004, we got married, and I don’t even know my wedding date. After our wedding day, I realized I wasn’t in love with him, and I married him for a place to live. After nearly thirty years together, we separated in 2021. I moved out, but we see each other twice a week. We have yet to sign the divorce papers, and I don’t think we ever will. I do love my husband but can’t live in the same house with him largely because I’m still discovering who I am and building a relationship with myself.“
—51, Chicago
Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/lizmrichardson/marriage-myths-misconceptions-advice