OWENS

BRIDES GUIDE COLUMN The man you once were

by Sam Owens OWE02006@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

I’m a married man; I have been for eight months now. It’s treating me well, this married life. I eat better, go to bed earlier and perform better in school. I don’t have white glove inspection, there is no need to read initials on milk cartons before deciding to take a drink, I have more than one cupboard-most of all, I don’t have to leave the apartment after “boys out.”

You want my take on marriage? Here it is: Marriage is about becoming that person you swore you would never become. Some of you engaged men, and definitely you married guys, know what I mean. I direct this column to you engaged men struggling with the transition from boisterous bachelor to helpful hubby. Guys, its okay if you’re feeling a little . . .weird.

I first noticed my personal “transition” right before my engagement. Gina asked if I wanted to take an eternal marriage class, and I actually thought it was a good idea! Not only that, but we agreed to take a social dance class together (nothing against those things, but it’s not exactly Rock ‘n Roll). I don’t know what came over me. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

Then we got married and the Friday night activities kicked in. Before my transition, it was a Friday night in Salt Lake with the buddies. Now, my Friday’s are at Winco with the wife, comparing canned bean prices — and I’m okay with that! And you will be too! Just wait, someday soon you will call a baby carrot “cute.”

Let’s not forget the clothing conflicts. Before my transition, I considered myself a trendsetter. I suppose some of my stuff was tattered and ugly, but hey, it was cool. Well, not to Gina. So, it was out with D.I. and in with GAP.

There is a second meaning, however, to my theory that “marriage is about becoming the person you swore you would never be.” It means that, although I swore I would never watch Seventh Heaven, I also never thought I would do so well in school, I never thought I would find so much ambition to succeed and I never thought someone could look after me the way Gina does.

Thus, my engaged male friends, when you’re single buddies are upset with you because “you’ve changed,” you can reply, “Thank goodness for that!” You’re already making progress. After all, look what section of the paper you’re reading.