My wife and I try to have a weekly 'date night' to keep the romance alive.

These days, 'keeping the romance alive' mostly means falling asleep on the couch halfway through a movie and debating who gets to turn off the lights.

Dating, I've always thought, is a lot like an audition. You're bringing your A-game, showing off your best qualities, and hoping for a callback.

Marriage, on the other hand, is when you get the part, but quickly discover you're now also the director, costume designer, and chief caterer for the rest of the run.

I remember when [Groom's Name] was really trying to impress [Bride's Name] back in their dating days. He'd talk about whisking her away for romantic weekends and cooking elaborate gourmet meals.

Now, I'm pretty sure his most impressive daily gesture is successfully navigating the Sunday morning grocery run without a list, and still remembering to pick up her favorite ice cream.

Creating our wedding seating chart felt less like planning a party and more like a high-stakes game of diplomatic chess.

We ended up just putting everyone's name in a hat and letting fate decide. Much less therapy needed.