What Marriage Means to Me.

I think you can tell a lot about someone by what their view of marriage is.

Some people hate the idea of marriage and think that it would squash their goals and dreams. Some people think marriage is the best, and can't wait until they meet the right person to become their spouse. Some people are married and treat their marriage like a burden that they just had to settle for. The list goes on and on, and I love hearing people talk about their opinions and thoughts on such a big thing.

With the crazy last couple of months and how full of transition this next year is going to be, I've been thinking about what marriage really means to me.

To me, marriage is being on a team. It's having a teammate in life, and having someone to cheer on.

It's having someone who is always on your side, no matter what. It's loving someone so much that you are always on their side. Chris and I disagree so often, but at the end of the day, I know he's always on my side. I may think he's being a complete idiot about something and just know I'm right, but I will forever be on his side. It's just how this works, and it's beautiful.

It's building a life with your best friend. From the big moments, like moving somewhere new, to the small moments, like sorting the laundry...it's all with your best friend.

It's the security of knowing that no matter how badly you mess up or how many people turn their backs on you, there is someone who is still going to love you and be on your team.

Through the twists and turns, it's having someone right beside you. To roll with the punches with you, to nod when you look over and say, "I did not see this one coming." To walk through the good and bad with you, through the mundane and the unexpected with you, through the good decisions you make and the terrible choices you make.

It's never being alone, even when you are.

I was having lunch with an engaged friend not too long ago and she was talking about some relationship issues she was having, and she said, "I mean, if it works out, great. If not, I'll be fine." When I said I couldn't imagine feeling so flippant over something as big as a marriage, she said, "Yeah, but it's different. You love Chris. Like, you're really, really in love with him still."

You should marry someone that you love. That you're really, really in love with.

I would not be fine without Chris. And that's okay. I think it's kind of taboo to say that, because we're supposed to be strong and independent and not need anyone.

It doesn't make me weak, it makes me in love. I'm in love with Chris. I'm in love with the life that we have together. I'm in love with my marriage, because of what it means to me. I'm in love with having a partner in life. It is the greatest gift I've ever been given.

So to me, my marriage is my favorite. It's the best. I couldn't imagine life without it.

What does marriage mean to you?