Marriage....

[smoothsteve87]

This Saturday I am going to be getting married to one amazing girl. I am soo freaking nervous right now. I am sitting in what will be our home and praying that I am not that groom that passes out...lol

How many of you guys are married and how long? I am excited especially since she loves that I play the guitar......well...for now. I am betting thats going to change when she finds out how much money I spend all the time on it. Any way....no real reason for this post, but just wanted to let some excitement out.

[bluesjuke]

Congrats to you both!

19 years for us here.

[RAILhead]

I got married in '98, and I can't imagine life without my wife. I wasn't nervous at all, probably because I'm such a low-key, laid-back guy.

Congrats, though. Put her first, and you'll do okay. :D

[puckhead]

congrats. I'm into my 8th year.

make sure that you actually enjoy your wedding day.
Don't worry about the little details.

[arthur rotfeld]

Congrats. Don't be nervous, just enjoy!

Nine years. (Wow....goes fast!)

[smoothsteve87]

Don't worry about the little details.

yeah.....I am now, but I figure that once the day is actually here that all that will go out the window

[bluesmain]

Congrats to you two and best to your happiness!

[michael.e]

Congrats. Once was enough.

[CyberFerret]

Congrats - 14 years here.

Not sure why so many grooms get so nervous on the wedding day? I had an absolute ball - I think the priest had to tell my wife and I to shut up because we were having a chat at the front of the church while he was trying to say his stuff.

[cbpickin]

Congrats. I've been with my wife since high school in '87. We got married in '97. It is not always easy, but it's worth the effort.

[guitarist58]

This Saturday I am going to be getting married to one amazing girl. I am soo freaking nervous right now. I am sitting in what will be our home and praying that I am not that groom that passes out...lol

How many of you guys are married and how long? I am excited especially since she loves that I play the guitar......well...for now. I am betting thats going to change when she finds out how much money I spend all the time on it. Any way....no real reason for this post, but just wanted to let some excitement out.

That sounds so awesome... I always wanted to marry, but never have.

Hope the two of you have a wonderful life together!! :)

[DC1]

21 years. Wouldn't trade it for the world.


dc

[Zero]

Don't do it.


(j/k)

[phoenix 7]

Been with my wife for 20 years, 17 of them married. We're very happy. When you find the right woman, you can go the distance.

[wrathfuldeity]

Together for 26, married 24, its the hardest thing to do and the greatest, wedding day is the least of your worries ;). Come clean with the geetar expenses but let her know there are other vises that are just as expensive if not much more so...but you don't need those...btw what are her expensive hobbies? Congrats

[Bob Longo]

Once plans are set for wedding...forget it and have fun. There's nothing to do on the wedding day but enjoy.
Advice.....compromise, always.
15 years and counting.

[Midnight Lady]

Congratulations!!! What everyone else said is true - once you find the right person you are set!!!!

I'm the bad statistic. I've been married for 35 years --- unfortunately that covers three weddings - 1967, 1984 and 2008.

But now I've found the right person. I envy all of you who found that the first time around!!

[Jetrow]

28 years this year for us. Go easy at your stag and you should be fine. It is an exciting time and one you will remember for the rest of your life. Enjoy the ride and don't sweat the little stuff.

[gtrnstuff]

31 years this October, still in big giant love. absolutely the easiest, best decision I ever made.
We just wanted to be together, the wedding was for the family and friends, no nerves for us.

[Craig Walker]

We dated for 4+, and have been married for 16.

It's work, but rewarding. Congrats.

[yodude]

congrats!!!!! My wife and I are on our second. It's the best thing I've ever done. My wife also loves my playing and goes out to see me all the time.

[RobRowland]

We got married on 5th December last year - best day of my life!

You'll be fine, nerves or not. Just try to remember to have 5 minutes with each other at some point during the day to take it all in - it's amazing how the day just disappears!

[buddaman71]

I married my amazing wife, Kelly, on the beach in Naples, FL last year.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?pid=30461497&id=1025921344&ref=fbx_album
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?pid=30593898&id=1025921344&ref=fbx_album

6 years together this week and 1st anniversary next month on Oct 15. Every day has been better than the last. I can truly say that day and the births of my two daughters are the best days of my life, and I can't believe I get to spend my life with such incredible women.

I was married for 11 years before and learned a lot from that experience. When people first fall in love, they only see the positive and wonderful things about their partner. As time goes by, it's SO easy to only focus on the negative aspects of their personality. It's human nature and that is a marriage and relationship killer.

I have absolutely changed my life by what I call the Rule of 5. Every time I start to get negative about anything or anyone, I consciously stop and think of 5 blessings in my life or 5 things I adore about my wife or friend or family member. I know it sounds cheesy, but it has really changed the way I see the world and helped me become a more positive, caring person and be a better dad and husband.

Never let the struggles of daily life steal the passion and laughter and happiness you feel now. Totally commit to putting that person above yourself and you'll reap the rewards of a long and happy life. NEVER say or think the D word. Never. Losing my first marriage was the worst thing that ever happened to me. We swore to never even consider it, but once we actually even said it, it eventually came to fruition. Be true to her, even when opportunities arise to not be (and they probably will at some point) and you will feel better about yourself as a man by not bending to temptation and your marriage will stay strong.

Congratulations, good luck and focus on the good things in life.

Jason

[bigdaddy]

Sbqv3MwwVd8


Coming up on 13 years. It's work, but it's worth it.

[ezyrydr]

I'm getting married in about a month. I can relate to the nervousness! I'm not nervous about being married, just about the wedding day, hoping it all goes well and standing up in front of all those people...not my cup of tea.

[Old Tele man]

...marriage is an institution.





...of course, there's mental institution too.

[Scott Peterson]

19 years plus here. Would not trade it for the world.

[2leod]

31 years here - I was nervous because I'd just finished the song I wrote for her the night before (I wanted the words to be perfect) and I promptly forgot many of them after I started playing. I got though it eventually and my back siezed up as soon as I was done, but everyone thought the many "interludes" were supposed to be there so no worries at the end of the day.

I would add to the good advice already offered (I like buddaman's Rule of 5) the 10:00 Rule - any disagreement you are having put to one side after 10 PM. Pick it up in the morning if you need to, but there's a lot of benefit in not going to bed angry or stewing silently.

[Blue Light]

Before my wedding, a a friend set me straight and told me not to worry. He said that it's a day like no other -- everyone comes simply to adore you for the day.
Everyone's there just to make you feel happy.
That's all you'll really feel, too. Sheer happiness.

[pickslide]

I have been married for 4 years and love it. I cannot imagine dating anymore nor would I want to.

As far as the wedding, I was not nervous at all. I knew that I was making the best decision of my life and as far as the wedding itself, its just a big party and everybody was going to have fun.

Congrats to you and your wife and make sure that you really get to enjoy the big day and that you get a chance to actually eat!

[megatonic]

20 years this last Monday.

People ask me what the "secret" is. Really I have no idea except to remember to allow your spouse as much slack as you would your best buddy, and don't crush each other with collosal expectations (thanks Craig Finn, for the great phrase).

At times it's no cakewalk , and it may take a sheer force of will to not quit, but when you get through those times, you know you're better for it.

As much as physical beauty, etc. is a factor, make sure your partner is someone you can be in the trenches with, 'cause you never know what the fates might throw your way. That and a sense of humor.

Congrats!

[JPF]

Congratulations to you both! My wife and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary last month. Our marriage is the best thing that has ever happened to me, along with having and raising our four children. No regrets whatsoever.

[Amp360]

10 years next week - can't believe it's been that long.

[dmczern]

Congrats! I'm getting married Saturday as well!

[hank]

36 years and a couple of months.

Gorgeous redhead (her). Only advice is to not harbor hard feelings. Get everything out in the open.

Best wishes! Joe

[Rattles]

30+ years here and going strong. It isn't always easy, but it is always worth it!

Enjoy your day!

[Matt Jones]

15 years for us. I was nervous, too :)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm262/matthewjones0224/DSC_1858_crop.jpg

[xjojox]

Welcome to the crushing weight of happiness!

It's not always easy but it's always worth it to have an "other half".

If she loves something as much as you love guitar, indulge her with it at least as often as you buy a new toy.... share her joy and hopefully she'll share yours when she sees the look on your face when you unwrap that xmas present and see that double-stained quilted top.....;)

[jrjones]

This Saturday I am going to be getting married to one amazing girl. I am soo freaking nervous right now. I am sitting in what will be our home and praying that I am not that groom that passes out...lol

How many of you guys are married and how long? I am excited especially since she loves that I play the guitar......well...for now. I am betting thats going to change when she finds out how much money I spend all the time on it. Any way....no real reason for this post, but just wanted to let some excitement out.

I spent some $ on some booteek pedals I had been wanting just before because I knew things would be different after wedding. Things are different. My wife always supports me playing, but doesn't support me practicing much...she says "you're already really good so you shouldn't have to practice" I don't think she gets the if you don't use it you lose it concept...but anyway, congrats man. I didn't really get nervous until about 15 minutes til go time, then it finally sank in exactly what I was doing and committing to lol. Definitely worth it though. Granted, I've only been married 3 months, most people would say I'm still in the "honeymoon stage" but still yet, I love being married. Plus, I have a room dedicated to my gear!

[jrjones]

On a serious note, something that really helped me...my friend, the pastor who married us suggested we read a book called "The 5 love languages" I can't remember who wrote it, but you really should give it a go. It helps me stay out of trouble lol and the one other piece of advice to you is to know that marriage is a covenant and not a contract. You are making a covenant to go all the way when the other person won't budge at all.

[Jahn]

10 years married, 18 years total. It's been a good life so far, so my advice is don't freak out about the first day of it, it'll be fine! But yes, it's a day you'll never forget, even after 10 years.

[tone4days]

congrats

will be married 23 yrs on 10/10

not always good times, but LOTSA good times and getting better all the time

[reddgeetarzan]

Congratulations! Going on 7 years in October. Wouldn't trade this life with my wife for anything.........I got very, very lucky!

The only advice I can give is learn that you're NEVER, EVER going to right about ANYTHING again.........accept your fate and you'll do fine. ;)

[mad dog]

Going on 8 years now. First time married was a disaster. This time I'm older, wiser (hopefully) and found the right woman (no doubts on that score.)

Good luck and congratulations!
MD

[mlongano]

Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together.

My wife and I will celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary later this year. We were just a couple of kids when we got married (21 and 19).

We still are as committed to each other as we were on that long ago day.

[pickaguitar]

This Saturday I am going to be getting married to one amazing girl. I am soo freaking nervous right now. I am sitting in what will be our home and praying that I am not that groom that passes out...lol

How many of you guys are married and how long? I am excited especially since she loves that I play the guitar......well...for now. I am betting thats going to change when she finds out how much money I spend all the time on it. Any way....no real reason for this post, but just wanted to let some excitement out.
Good luck op!

Tell her up front how much time and money you put into it...that way she'll be aware of what she's getting into

[smallbutmighty]

I've been married 21 years this year. I love my woman a million times more now than I did then.

A word of advice: to maintain your gear habit without marital problems....recruit your wife into it. It's worked out well for me.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YmAoqERBjjo/TAPntwbMgkI/AAAAAAAAAeY/VaaidfB5Lfw/s1600/Funk-Bucket-bio-photo.jpg

[whiteop]

when you find the 'right' woman life gets sweeter. There is nothing like having someone by your side that will be with you through thick and thin, go on adventures with you, tolerate you, and love you for who you are, warts and all...;)

[guitarpkr67]

Your anniversary will be one day after mine. We will be married 5 years on Friday. It's been great!

[semi-hollowbody]

together for 14 years...
married for 10
at times I loved it
at times I hated it
I dont regret it but hindsight being 20/20 there are lots of little things i would have done different, lots of little issues I would have handled differently...
lots of good memories, a few bad...but the bad/hard times STRENGTHENED our relationship instead of destroying it...when we look back at the good times we laugh and really enjoy the memory...when we look back at bad times we remember how awful it was and we marvel at how we got through it...

plus I have a 1 year old baby girl and that wouldnt have happened if not for my wife

[Luke]

Half of all marriages end in divorce.

The longer you stay married, the more it costs you to get out.

If you have children you are permanently attached to this person.

Having been twice divorced..........my advice is to tread lightly the first two years and see how you guys are doing before you decide to add children.

Also, if you have more assets than she, do not co-mingle assets at all, ever. If you keep your stuff separate at all times it is not open to division later.

If it turns out that you are unhappy in a few years, get out sooner as opposed to later. Save yourself the grief, the expense and the division of assets issues.

I am with the best woman I've ever met now and I am considering giving round three a try, but I am doing so with my eyes wide open.

[TDavis]

32 years married to my wife. She is a heck of a woman that supports me and my music fully. Of course she knew I was into music because we were friends and went to school together. I'm not going to say that it's not had "ups & downs"...love & respect for one another will get you through those times!
As has been said, come clean about the gear and always put your priorities in order when it comes to gear purchases...especially when/if you have children.
I always kept descent gear in the early years of our marriage because I've always played as a means of additional family income, but I didn't have but one, or at most two guitars at a time and at times only one amp simply because my children's needs came before mine.
Work at it and you'll be fine!

[smallbutmighty]

Half of all marriages succeed.

The longer you stay married, the more deep and meaningful your attachment becomes.

Having been married for twenty years.........may advice is to devote yourself to your spouse fully, and create a loving environment for any children you may decide to have.

Enjoy your wedding, and congratulations!

[smoothsteve87]

A word of advice: to maintain your gear habit without marital problems....recruit your wife into it. It's worked out well for me.

yeah....she knows how much I devote to my hobbies, and I have sucked her into a few with me....she actually asked me the other night about how I felt if she started getting into music (keys).....told her I would love nothing more....

[pickslide]

Don't buy into the 50% divorcee rate talk. Apparently that is true for certain groups of people, but there is a lot of research being done now to show that cannot simply be used as a blanket statement about marriage in general:

The 50 percent divorce rate is really a myth. The 20-year divorce rate for couples who got married in the 1980s is actually around 19 percent. Everyone thinks marriage is such a struggle and it’s shocking to hear that marriage is actually going strong today. It has to do with how you look at the statistic. If the variables were constant, then a simple equation might work to come up with the divorce rate. But a lot of things are changing. And it is true that there are groups of people who have a 50 percent divorce rate: college dropouts who marry under the age of 25, for example. Couples married in the 1970s have a 30-year divorce rate of about 47 percent. A person who got married in the 1970s had a completely different upbringing and experience in life from someone who got married in the 1990s. It's been very clear that divorce rates peaked in the 1970s and has been going down ever since.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1989124,00.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Myth-of-the-50%-Divorce-Rate&id=1969956

[david eaton]

21 years...she was then and is now my dream come true.

[AS193]

Congrats! 21 years here, and I feel very incomplete when she's away for any amount of time(she travels a lot). Incidentally, she was my groupie back in the 70's.:D

[chrisr777]

Twenty-five years last week.

The last thing I did before I walked down the aisle was bang my head against a wall as hard as I could. The maid of honor was kind of shocked and just stood there with her mouth open. My best man couldn't stop laughing. I was kind of dizzy walking myself.

Congratulations.

[mnjordan]

I got married this year, and am absolutely loving it so far.

Congrats!

[smallbutmighty]

Don't buy into the 50% divorcee rate talk. Apparently that is true for certain groups of people, but there is a lot of research being done now to show that cannot simply be used as a blanket statement about marriage in general:


Exactly. I didn't want to get into in someone's "I'm getting married" thread, but since we're here, think about this: If I get married once and it lasts until I die, and my next door neighbor gets married three times and all end in divorce, that's statistically a 75% divorce rate...

[pater familias]

20 yrs tomorrow. She's been my best friend for 22.

[hellbender]

run like hell

[Luke]

Let's keep in mind also that while half of marriages do not end in divorce, that hardly means they are a success. To me success equals happy and would do it again. We all know people that are married who constantly complain about their spouse, stay for the kids, stay for economic reasons, cheat or are cheated on, or actually abused. If we factor in all those people, success is more like 35% IMO.

[PosterBoy]

I'm getting married on paper in December and having the proper wedding in March and then a blessing in April!

[TubeeTuberton]

I've been married to my wonderful wife for a year and a half. We have been together for about 6 years and have known each other for a lot longer than that. She is the only woman I could have ever been with. Would not change one thing about her...yet.

[mwc2112]

Let's keep in mind also that while half of marriages do not end in divorce, that hardly means they are a success. To me success equals happy and would do it again. We all know people that are married who constantly complain about their spouse, stay for the kids, stay for economic reasons, cheat or are cheated on, or actually abused. If we factor in all those people, success is more like 35% IMO.

http://www.deborahgoldberg.net/debbieblog/archives/debbie_downer.jpg

Don't think about things like this and enjoy your day/marriage/life!!! :D

[DrSax]

why not play a game where the odds are less stacked against you, like Russian roulette?

[bcanini]

12 yrs here...:D ups and downs but wouldnt change a thing.

[stratus]

My wife is my life. When you find the right one who loves what your all about, fantastic!

[chumley]

Thirty seven years TODAY! Don't know what I'd do without her.

[Ultron]

Everytime I see the thread title, I think of Princess Bride and the priest.

"Mah-widge"

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/lavender/403/Priest.JPG

[elkym]

Do something relaxing for a good hour or so-- everyday until the ceremony.

Congratulations! My wife and I have been married for a little over 2 years, and we're very happy I keep checking with her about that, though-- remember: "Happy wife, happy life! :D

[Craig Walker]

Haven't all you people read the "marriage is useless" thread?!? :D

[Slackerprince]

My wife thinks THIS is RIDICULOUS:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/Slackerprince/Pedals-Gear019.jpg

But, we pick our battles and she stopped talking about it or chooses to ignore it. I try and get all the UPS off the porch before she gets home, just to avoid ANY discussion. I really wish she "got it," but my toddler son loves it and will be a player if I have anything to say about it.
On my end, I try to ignore her piles of washed, but sitting in a basket for MONTHS clothes and her countless hours playing Farmville on Facebook.
It's give and take.
Only 4 years for us, but we had our son 13 months in, so it's been a ride.
Good luck!

S.

[PedalFreak]

Congrats!

I'm getting married on 10/10/10 :)

[smoothsteve87]

Today is the big day....farewell gearpage for a week.....well....I might troll around from my phone on our honeymoon.....

[freedom's door]

Today is the big day....farewell gearpage for a week.....well....I might troll around from my phone on our honeymoon.....

AKA, "the first straw"...

J/K, good luck and have fun!

[Tony]

Congratulations... been married to my best friend for 14 years now. I've learned two things:

1) Love is a choice. Feelings ebb and flow like the tide. So does love... if it's based solely upon feelings.

2) Marriage is more about being the right person than it is about finding the right person. The only person I can control is myself.

[DC1]

2) Marriage is more about being the right person than it is about finding the right person. The only person I can control is myself.

The engaged should have this tattooed on their forearms, and once married must read it before speaking to each other...


:bow



dc

[Teh Smith]

20 years this last Monday.

People ask me what the "secret" is. Really I have no idea except to remember to allow your spouse as much slack as you would your best buddy, and don't crush each other with collosal expectations (thanks Craig Finn, for the great phrase).

At times it's no cakewalk , and it may take a sheer force of will to not quit, but when you get through those times, you know you're better for it.

As much as physical beauty, etc. is a factor, make sure your partner is someone you can be in the trenches with, 'cause you never know what the fates might throw your way. That and a sense of humor.

Congrats!

Great summary. 19 years here married to Mrs. Teh.

[Craig Walker]

Congratulations... been married to my best friend for 14 years now. I've learned two things:

1) Love is a choice. Feelings ebb and flow like the tide. So does love... if it's based solely upon feelings.

2) Marriage is more about being the right person than it is about finding the right person. The only person I can control is myself.


That says it all. Well done.

[Tony]

The engaged should have this tattooed on their forearms, and once married must read it before speaking to each other...


:bow



dc

I wish someone had tattooed it on my arm; that's for sure.

[HEY!YOU!]

30 yrs last June
+ 2 yrs living in sin.

I don't keep track of our time.
We have fun and travel well together.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/bh2285/P5180074.jpg