When I was dating my boyfriend, I never imagined how much getting married would change everything. I thought it would be all rainbows, unicorns, and walks in the park, but I quickly learned that marriage is a whole new world.

It’s almost as if the man you date and the man you marry are two different people—and I know he’d say the same about me! Here are five ways marriage "ruined" my life, and why I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I never realized how much of married life would revolve around the question, “What’s for dinner?” Asking my husband what he wants to eat often leads to him saying, “I don’t know,” which frustrates me because then I have no idea what to cook. Something so simple has turned into an everyday challenge that I never expected.

When we were dating, arguments meant I could pack up and go to my own place to cool off. Marriage, however, doesn’t come with that luxury. Now, even if we argue, we’re stuck in the same house, which can be incredibly frustrating. Why do I have to stay with someone when I’m mad at them? But over time, I’ve realized that staying put forces us to work through our issues rather than avoid them.

Before marriage, I could do whatever I wanted without having to inform anyone. Whether it was hanging out with friends or spending time alone, I didn’t have to answer to anyone. But now, I share my life with someone else. I have to keep him in the loop about my plans, and every decision I make affects him, too. It’s a shift from being selfish with my time to learning how to share it.

When we were dating, my body was mine alone. I told my boyfriend he didn’t have exclusive rights to me, and I could do whatever I wanted without him complaining. But marriage changed that dynamic. Now, we belong to each other. Just as he can’t do whatever he wants without considering me, I have to consider him, too. It’s a mutual exchange, and while it was hard to adjust, it has deepened our connection.

I was used to being in charge of my own life, but marriage has taught me to let go and let my husband take the lead in certain areas. It’s not that I lack my own mind, but I’ve come to trust his ability to make good decisions for our household. Sometimes, it’s difficult to surrender control, but I remind myself that I chose a good leader. So why not let him lead?

Marriage has “ruined” my life in ways I never anticipated, but it has also reshaped me for the better. I’ve learned how to compromise, communicate, and grow alongside another human being. Staying with someone through every high and low has been challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.