It’s almost impossible to fully understand when you are standing on the altar on your wedding day what the future will throw your way. You willingly promise to have and to hold from this day forth, till death do us part, without knowing what set of circumstances will unfold in the years to come. I have realized that when the hard parts of life come knocking at your door, the real opportunities arise to live your vows. When life is painful, stressful, or even grueling, a more selfless love has the chance to be exercised. When the rubber meets the road, are our convictions about love and marriage demonstrated? I wanted to write about this because I think it is something that all couples face at some point, and having some concrete steps to practice in those moments have helped me tremendously.