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The ten most surprising things about marriage

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

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