Photo: Courtesy of CNP Montrose Good things:

Everyone tells you that things will change in your first year of marriage, but every couple's experience is a little bit different. That first year will be full of surprises -- some good, some bad -- and once you've survived it, you'll understand what your friends and family meant.

Sure, the first year as spouses is different for each and every couple. But there are some good AND bad things you can pretty much count on experiencing in that first period of wedded bliss.

1. Always having a sympathetic ear on hand when you need one after a long day at work.

2. Applying "the more, the merrier" theory can lead to a lot of great combined family events. And if you like each other's friends, your social circle will rapidly grow.

3. Learning things you never knew about the person you married, even if you've been together for years.

4. DINK status -- If you don't have children yet, you'll have more disposable income as a double-income-no-kids family in your first few years of marriage.

Bad things:

5. Entertaining as a married couple in your own home. It actually gives you a reason to clean things up together in addition to having a fun get together.

6. Somebody else to take responsibility for half of the household chores.

7. Spending more time talking about your future and making plans for years ahead than you ever have before, and being excited about it!

1. Spending a LOT more money on birthdays and holidays because you're suddenly giving to twice as much family.

2. Having to give up some of your own family traditions in order to celebrate some holidays with your new in-laws.

3. Needing to consult with your spouse before making major purchases and financial transactions after years of being in charge of your own spending.

4. Worrying about major health issues and potential illnesses for more than just yourself. When your spouse is really sick, your life turns upside down. Same rules apply for both sets of your parents and siblings.

Owner of Weddings in Vieques, a destination-wedding planning company off the coast of Puerto Rico, Sandy Malone has helped countless couples plan their big day since 2007. More From Brides.com:
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5. Planning ahead long term for your future means you have to learn to budget and put away money. Compromise will be required if you both have expensive hobbies.

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6. Twice as much laundry. Twice as much trash. Twice as much mess.

7. Losing some of your friends who are still single and can't respect your need for alone time with your spouse or privacy in your home.

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