Marriage is full of surprises. You may know your other half intimately but you are still in uncharted territory when it comes to living as a married couple.

Here's a taste of the kind of surprises married life might have in store for you from iVillagers who have already tied the knot.

1. Being married doesn't mean you'll never feel lonely again.

'My husband and I just started counselling. Nothing major happened to trigger it, but it was obvious we were not together mind, body and soul. He said he was feeling lonely in our house. I was feeling the same way. Now we're trying to come back to the same path instead of travelling down different roads.' - perchie98

2. Marriage doesn't mean that you'll 'feel' as if you're in love every day.

'A marriage doesn't just happen. Most long-term marriages have problems, but you work them out together.' - ceh6

3. You still have to make an effort to spend quality time together.

'My husband and I have such hectic schedules that we have to maximise what time we do have together to keep from feeling like flatmates. So we cuddle and chat in bed at night. We try to read the paper and have a cup of tea together in the morning. We juggle our schedules to have an occasional relaxing lie-in on Sunday morning.' - turtleesq

4. Marriage is fun!

'My husband and I enjoy each other's company. We laugh together, tease each other and smile at each other. Yes, we have the serious side of life to deal with, but we don't let it consume our thoughts and time.' - rtluchr

5. One spouse often sacrifices more than the other to make the marriage work.

'I'd say the woman usually gives up more. For instance, if both partners have careers, I think it is often the woman who is expected to give hers up for her husband or children. You don't hear of many men giving up a good job because someone had to stay home with the children or their wife is transferred.' - Ann

6. Your spouse may change over time.

'Most men, good or bad, get married so they can relax and be themselves. Most women still try to be someone special for their husbands. So, newlyweds, hang in there. Your relationship may change. And not necessarily for the worse.' - dassso

7. You won't necessarily agree on everything.

'I am a registered nurse and my husband has a very diverse employment history (i.e. never keeps a job for very long), plus we have very different values and objectives when it comes to money. Frustrating? Always! Manageable? Most of the time.' - lizzybeth99

8. Sometimes it just gets better and better.

'My husband and I have been married for 44 years this April. I believe one of our secrets is that he is my best friend and I am his. When we have anything to discuss, he is my first choice. We love being together, even if it's driving in the country and not saying a word for miles. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful relationship with a wonderful man.' - Charli

9. Your sex life, even if it's great before marriage, will have its ups and downs.

'My husband and I used to have a great sex life before we got married. Now I feel as if I have no desire most of the time. My only advice is to try to make special time with each other when there is no pressure to have sex. Just spend time together enjoying each other's company. I have found that when my husband and I do that, sex seems to come naturally.' - lfloyd72

'Do not pressure him when it comes to sex. The more you pressure him, the worse it will get.' - jexibelle

10. The truth always comes out.

'No matter what, you have to be honest with each other; otherwise it might not all end for the best. My first husband was not honest, and after ten years we divorced. Too many lies. He was having affairs; of course I found out, and we just fell apart.' - twntdarden

Take a look at what iVillagers on the Married life board are discussing LIVE; post a message and join in!