The 11 Best Things About Being Married
By Jennifer Chen
To quote Ben Affleck at last year's Oscars when he talked about his marriage to Jennifer Garner, "It's good. It is work but the best kind of work." But like anything that takes hard work (exercising, binge TV watching, owning a cat), it's totally worth it. Why do you think lesbian and gay people are fighting so hard to get married? Because marriage is awesome. If you're knee deep into wedding planning and can't take it any more, take a deep breath, keep calm, and read on.
1. Some days being married feels like a pile of puppies.
I could say something flowery about love, but really, some times you feel giddy like there's a pile of puppies waiting to trample you because this amazing person loves you AND you get to sleep with them.
2. You have mental telepathy to convey how you really feel.
Through just one look, I can tell my husband, "I am so hungry. Please get me food before I murder someone." You have a special kinship that defies words. This is especially helpful at parties, awkward family events, and general daily life.
*To date, I have not murdered anyone thanks to Brendan.
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3. You have a permanent car karaoke singalong partner.
Long car rides can be excruciating, but with the right song and your husband or wife, it's non-stop karaoke. Belting out "Livin' on a Prayer" while performing a choreographed dance is the only way to get through driving on the 5 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Trust me.
4. When you're sick, you have someone to take care of you.
Lord Voldemort looks slightly better than you when you're sick. But then there's this sweet person who gets you soup and medicine while you watch 18 hours of 30 Rock and pray for the ability to breath through your nose again. This person is your savior. Thank them repeatedly for making sure you're not dead.
5. You can let your inner kid out.
I'm in my 30s, but I still love kids' movies like Frozen, The Lego Movie, and everything Pixar ever made. My husband and I quoteToy Story to each other. For my 25th birthday, he got me a Kermit the Frog doll. I still laugh when he farts. We are basically 12 years old together. And it's the best.
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6. You are with your biggest cheerleader.
Some days you feel crappy. You had a terrible day at work, everything is wrong, and you just want to cry it out. Enter your cute spouse who thinks you are the best person. He says something nice and has a chocolate bar waiting for you, which makes him the smartest person ever.
7. You share household chores.
Not the world's sexiest reason to get married, but you have a built-in partner-in-crime who helps you make sure that you're not living in squalor. I hate washing the dishes. It's so damn boring. My husband finds it relaxing. Great! We are ideal mates.
8. You have a date for everything.
I'm not just talking about Valentine's Day, folks. Holiday office parties, concerts, and co-ed baby showers are all for the taking. There's no need for the, "Is it too soon to ask him to be my date to a wedding?" question because he's already your plus one.
RELATED: What To Get For Your Guy for Valentine's Day Based On How Long You've Been Dating
9. You have the right to share your life.
Marriage can be lovely, but it also comes with some important rights. Sex columnist Dan Savage said it best: "Receptions and banquet halls are nice... But the truly important rights of marriage kick in during emergencies and at what are often the worst moments of our lives." My husband and I can file taxes together (the worst), visit each other in the hospital (also the worst), and share health insurance (not the worst). These rights are important - and everyone should have them.
10. You have someone to cuddle with right after a scary dream.
Waking up in the middle of the night all sweaty and thinking there's a scary guy chasing you can only be fixed with extreme cuddling/serious spooning. That's what spouses are for.
11. You're with your best friend.
My husband was my best friend for several years before we even kissed. And when we finally confessed our crushes on each other, I was head-over-heels in love. I still feel that way today, and that's a pretty great feeling to have for the rest of my life.
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Stop Lying, Marriage Is For You
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Sad and Single? Just Marry Yourself Already
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