24/12/2025
Yesterday, my husband and I met with his college friend, Deth. As I sat down, she happily asked us, “Kumusta? Kumusta ang buhay may asawa?”
The first thing I thought was, “I need to tell her we’re happy. Being married brings happiness.” I didn’t want to give an answer that sounded anything less than positive. The people-pleaser in me immediately wanted to say good things about married life because that’s how I once viewed marriage—something that should always be a walk in the park. A fairy tale. A happily ever after.
So I answered, “Masaya!” with an awkward smile.
Pero sa loob-loob ko, “Ang plastic ko sa sinabi ko.”
Because the reality is, marriage is not always a walk in the park. We faced many struggles this year in almost every aspect of life—financial, spiritual, and emotional. We had countless arguments. We fought over petty things.
But one thing I’ve learned over the past two years of being married is this: marriage is not about happiness—it’s about commitment. Marriage is not for the weak; it’s for the brave-hearted. Love is not just a feeling—love is a choice. Kasi kung ang ine-expect mo ay puro “happy-happy” lang pag kinasal ka na sa taong mahal mo, pag dumating ang mga pagsubok sa buhay, mabilis kang aalis.
By the way, just so you know—palaging may problema sa buhay. Walang taong may perfect na life. But there’s more to life than simply pursuing happiness. If happiness is the only thing we pursue, life becomes boring—there’s no growth in that mindset.
God created marriage for us to learn how to sacrifice, to forgive, to love unconditionally, and to become more Christlike. (Hirap ako sa mga bagay na ito. I have to rely on God’s grace to live them out.)
Lastly, wag nating ikumpara ang season ng marriage life natin sa ibang mag-asawa. That’s where envy begins—when you compare your life to others. When you focus on the highlights of other couples on social media, it can steal your joy, especially if you fail to appreciate what you and your spouse already have.
Be happy and content with what you have for now while you and your spouse work hard toward your dream life. Commit to building a married life that is truly worthwhile.
