Husband

Looking for name change advice or some tips for newlywed life? The MissNowMrs experts have created state-specific name change articles and checklists for you. We’ve chronicled our recommendations for how to travel while changing your name AND how to handle voting during the transition.

We’ve also compiled our best guidance for how to handle difficult sister in laws, holidays as newlyweds, the ever-annoying baby questions, and much more. Why? Because, while we are name change experts, we’re also newlywed wives, moms, and sisters.

We hope our name change advice articles help smooth your transition to your new name, and a whole new phase of life. Congratulations and best wishes from the entire MissNowMrs team!

The Premarital Plan: Talk About the Tough Stuff BEFORE Tying the Knot

Have you gone through the premarital plan yet? When it comes to marriage, there are many matters that could result in power struggles once or several times over the length of the relationship, but there are two very common reoccurring themes that come up in marital disputes.

The first has to do with the financial status of the new family unit and the second deals with the matter of time. Learning your fiancé’s take on both topics can help solidify a base for your marriage to stand upon. This post addresses a few of the questions that can be the starting point for these necessary pre-wedding conversations.

Who does the housework and grocery shopping? Many years ago, the answer to this question was obvious. Today the “little woman” isn’t necessarily in charge of the household. With both the husband and the wife taking on professional roles in this day and age, the rules of marriage have been altered. Suddenly, housekeeping and grocery shopping are eating into everyone’s free time. Because time is valuable to both of you, it is best to be up front about what will be expected from each of you, so don’t be afraid to be specific and outline the chores to be done.

What’s the ultimate income goal and who is going to handle the financial matters? Perhaps even more important than time, is money. At least this seems to be the case in marriages as financial problems are the number one cause of divorce. So, be upfront about your expectations and ask about his or hers. It is better to know in advance where each expects to be financially two-, ten -, and even fifty years down the road. Also choosing the member of your new team who is best able to make that happen, will reduce stress over the length of your marriage.

How much will our monthly bills cost us? Similarly, it is important to have a true understanding of all expenses that will come with your coming together as one. These costs may not be entirely obvious. It is safe to assume that anyone today will have some debt. He or she may also carry insurance policies (auto, life, home, etc.) that can quickly rack up. Calculating all of these expenses in advance can help to keep everyone on the same page.

What professional goals do you have and will they keep us apart often? Another matter linked to time is the professional aspirations of each spouse. It is important to know what is involved with the career that your partner wishes for. Are the commitments something that you can truly live with? He or she needs to be able to answer the same question about your goals in life.

How often do you expect to see your parents? Mine? Our friends? Finally, the other major claimant of time is the outside relationship. Whether it is parents, siblings, or friends, these outsiders will cost you and your soon-to-be spouse some of your time, but how much? Now is the best time to figure all of that out.

Have you discussed the premarital plan your fiance or spouse? If you didn’t, do you wish that you had?Please share a comment that could help our other readers.

Do You Need A Vacation From Your Spouse’s Job?!

What do you do when you and your spouse seem to be at each other’s throats a little more than usual? Do you find yourselves having the same annoying arguments over and over again? Lately I’ve noticed in my marriage that our reoccurring issues are stemming from one thing—his stress from work! This excessive stress has been coming home with him after leaving the office, and affecting our relationship! Work has been absolutely devouring my husband, consuming his energy, his every thought and every second of the day, so much so that even when we’re “spending time” catching up on our favorite shows on the couch, work calls continue to come in and he is still on the computer! Don’t get me wrong, I certainly appreciate his dedication and passion that he has for his job, but there comes a point where the happy median between work and pleasure needs to be a bit more… defined! In a serious effort to divert further issues and arguments, I called an intervention and demanded a vacation!

I believe there comes a point in every relationship where one, or both parties, becomes unintentionally wrapped up in one thing, and all of the remaining things in life suffer! Sooo, my solution- a romantic getaway! A nice vacation just me and the hubby (and by request- no computers!) I figured this was the only way get him away from his workload and at the same time will give us a chance to devote sole attention to one another, and spend some much-needed quality, romantic time- alone! Your marriage is a partnership, so it’s important to recognize one another’s needs and to be there to show each other support and love!

Now that we have moved out of the never-ending winter season, I want nothing more than the sand in my feet and a nice dark tan! Here are some getaway ideas and inspiration that I wanted to share with you from one of my fav’s, Travel and Leisure’s Ideas Section and here are some amazing hot-spots, rated the top destinations of 2011!

Do you and your spouse have a go-to place when you just need a romantic getaway? We would love to hear you favorite vacation spots- it always helps to spark new ideas for those in need of a getaway, so please share!

Your Married Name: To Change or Not to Change!?

Thinking about changing to your married name? Although this is a difficult decision for some, and many women go back and forth on this, we can be thankful that changing your name after marriage is a choice! For some of us the answer is simple, while others will toy around with the idea for years!

Some women choose to keep their maiden name for professional reasons, some feel as though by changing their name they’re losing a part of their identity, while for others, the decision relies heavily on family and traditions.

Whatever the case may be, there are many factors that will affect your decision, and for many, that single most important factor is your spouse!

I already knew that I wanted to take my husband’s last name, but I also knew that he would’ve been offended if I didn’t. So for me the decision was simple, and friends from my younger years still refer to me by my maiden name, so I still get the best of both worlds!

We want you to share your decision-making story on your married name change with us! Did your spouse play a deciding role on your decision? Or, tell us why you simply chose to keep your maiden name!

Should you want to change your name, the MissNowMrs app or online name change service can save hour hours of stress and hassle!

Help Me Change My Name

Ahh, Never a Dull Newlywed Moment!

So you fell in love with your spouse for so many different reasons, and at this point you’ve been together long enough that nothing should come as a surprise to you, right?! You’re married, and have already proven yourself to be this incredible wife (which you knew you would be)… however, were you prepared for the unspoken duties that were to come?!

Life is full of surprises, and not all things are easy and enjoyable. In fact, some things in life may even become repetitive and somewhat annoying, specifically for me, its household chores! So, let me begin with this disclaimer: I am so in love with my husband, and to his defense, he often times will help out with responsibilities around the house which I’m so thankful for! However, (not that I’m keeping track), but here is a list of…Are you kidding me moments…that I hope other wives can commiserate with:

1. Have you slowly started finding yourself picking up the empty dishes around the house, finding the scattered socks that never made it to the hamper, or the dirty tissues lying on the coffee table like it’s now the trash can?
2. Tell me you see the crumbs on the counter from the sandwich you just made…or should we get your eyes checked?!
3. We’re women, and when we’re sick we go to the Dr., right? Men- don’t go to the Dr. unless you give them an ultimatum, and/or schedule an appointment for them and drive them there! It is in your best interest to schedule this appointment sooner rather than later, as most men don’t seem to handle sickness quite like women do!
4. Hello, toilet seat!? OK, I’m not even going to get into this one!
5. My hubby helps me with some cleaning around the house so no complaints there, and I actually enjoy doing the cleaning myself, except for the bathrooms of course, so please tell me how does one manage to pee on the back of the toilet seat?!
6. Shaving cream goes on your face (for the most part) right? So how does it always end up splattered across the bathroom mirror?
7. Please check your pockets for gum, pens, etc…before giving me your laundry?!

Remember, life wouldn’t be half as interesting if all things were perfect, so be thankful for the small things in life that keep you on your toes, and make you the fabulous wife that you are! Now, here is your chance to let it all out, so please share with us the things that really grind your gears!

Newlywed Life: Unplugged

It’s high time for newlywed life: unplugged. You planned the big day using all of the best online tools, jetted off to your honeymoon (booked online of course) and sent an e-blast announcing your return home and new address. You’re one high tech woman and we at MissNowMrs salute you! That being said, there are times when you can appreciate life and your spouse more without the use of technology. Our challenge to you? Spend a day unplugged with the one you love.

Turn off your phone(s) – While your phone can keep you connected across the miles, it can also constantly distract you from the moment you’re living in. Make a pact to turn off your phones on Friday evening and don’t look at them again until Sunday morning. You’ll be amazed at how much more time you have with your beloved and how much more you will actually listen to what they have to say when you’re not being interrupted by various calls and texts.

Leave the ipod/ipad at home – We all love music and entertainment, but spending time solely focused on each other can do nothing but boost your relationship. You can take a walk and listen to each other and the sounds of nature around you or have a picnic at your local park. The result? Feeling more connected to each other and more at peace in your world.

Lose the remote – Picture this: sitting on the couch with your hubby and not watching television. Without the distraction of reality television or ESPN you can spend time together the old fashioned way…talking, playing a game or planning something fun to do over the weekend. You may find out that your husband is a lot more interesting than the re-run you would’ve watched and that you share one more thing in common (like being terrible at Scrabble).

Will you take the newlywed life: unplugged challenge or have you done something similar? We’d love to hear your unplugged results and personal revelations!