Engagement: fairy-tale or fitness test?

Now that the secret is out about my upcoming wedding, I thought I would post some details regarding my whirlwind wedding experience so far. First up: becoming engaged. I must admit that I didn’t know much about this process except for the fairy-tale stories passed down to me through books, movies and other romantic exaggerations. In truth, becoming engaged is like joining a very exclusive club. At first, you can’t wait to be a member; you want to slip on that giant sparkler and yell, “Yes! Yes!” at the top of your lungs. Then… you have some reservations about membership… you ask yourself all the questions that shiny diamonds had initially banished from your mind: What will happen to your friendships with those fab girls who have not yet been invited to join? Are you ready for a lifetime commitment to membership? Are you ready to give up your strong, single, independent ways? What other sacrifices will you have to make to earn your place in the club: Frightening in-laws? Feuding families? Closet space? In truth, the transition is much more of an emotional one than society allows us to discuss, and much less of a Cinderella fairytale. Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and not always fun, shiny and beautiful. People will tell you this in a very superficial way, but let me explain it as plainly as I can: this experience will be a true test of your relationship. When things get tough, what will you do? When you disagree on the guest list or food choices, how will you resolve it? When you get stressed and overwhelmed, how will you react? Will planning “the most important day of your life” ruin it? That, my friends, is up to you. I’m just here to warn you that the wedding planning process will test you as a couple, and if you can make it to the wedding day and still want to take that walk down the aisle then you’ve passed. Be kind to each other, try to fight fair, kiss and make up, and most importantly remember that you’re in it together, for better or for worse. I can’t help but wonder… why aren’t there any classes for life’s most important tests?