The growth experienced in a marriage during the first two (2) years contributes to feelings of; an abatement of love, a decline in overt affection, a growing conviction that one's spouse is unresponsive, and an increase in ambivalence—distinguishes couples headed for divorce from those who establish a stable marital bond." Research has found significant differences between the happily married and unhappily married couples were apparent within months after their nuptials.

Couples who divorced within the first two years showed signs of disillusionment and were negative toward one another in the first two months of their marriage. It is a sign of trouble if a newlywed couple starts to have disillusionment within the first year. The couples who are still happily married were able to maintain positive feelings about their spouse and the marriage in the first two years.

Many people suffer depression following their wedding which is not unusual. The depression they experience is similar to post-holiday depression. Once the stress of the wedding and its planning are gone, many will experience a sense of loss, for some this is felt as depression, for others as relief. But it should not be ignored!

Being aware that post nuptial blues can arise may help in avoiding them, or at the very lest getting past them. Your energies now need to flow into setting the marital stage for the rest of your lives together. Make keeping your romance alive a top priority, do not take it for granted!

Although the first couple of years can  be very difficult, many years later they will be remembered as wonderful. With so much to learn about each other and so much to express to one another, the first years can be a time of great intimacy and discovery.

The newlywed stage is where you build the foundation and set the stage your  marriage. So build well, enjoy and romance one another! Get ready for a life-long meaningful marriage!