Mae West said that, “Marriage is a great institution, but I’m not ready for an institution.” That just cracks me up because sometimes marriage will make you feel certifiably insane. If anyone thought God didn’t have a great sense of humor they have obviously never been married. Put two creatures together that are so completely opposite in almost every way, throw in a bunch of problems to solve, a few offspring then sit back with a bowl of popcorn and watch the fun begin.

Men and women almost always have a different viewpoint on how to solve a problem and very rarely would think to do things the same way. It’s true, opposites attract but they don’t co-habitate! I can’t tell you how many times I have looked at my husband in complete and utter bewilderment and said, “Seriously?” Because we are wired so differently, we decided instead of arguing over the best way to do something why not divide and conquer! Besides being a man and woman, we’re also people with distinct talents and are naturally better at some things than the other one. So we split up the responsibilities not based on traditional gender roles (i.e., woman cooking, man paying bills) but based on who is just stinking better at it!

Now an arrangement like this only works if you are a progressive couple like ourselves (hahaha) and aren’t worried about what all the other mothers at preschool are going to say when they find out that you aren’t the one cooking and doing the laundry (Gasp...oh the horror). Hey, what can I say, my husband is much better at ironing than me and I don’t feel any less estrogen coursing through my veins by admitting it!

Life is hard enough already without throwing in a bunch of “you should, you should, and you should.” Do yourself and your husband a favor and stop “should-ing” on yourselves! The only thing that “you should” do is enjoy your marriage and do what comes naturally to the two of you. Marriages are like snowflakes, no two are created alike. Find out what works for you and then do it!

Unlike any other relationship, marriage has the ability to wear off your rough edges, it can refine you. If you let it, it can help you become the best version of yourself. So, break free from all of the stereotypes and start enjoying your partner in crime. The two of you make a great team!!