My husband and I dated and traveled a lot together for five years before we tied the knot. You’d think after all that time that life after marriage would hardly be surprising but until you actually live with someone 24/7, build a life, a home, and a family together, will you only know the truth: People change–along with your relationship–in the best possible way. Here’s a look at what marriage is like, and the real moments that every couple experiences.

The day after your wedding

The joy of waking up every day to your best friend

The first time you introduce each other as “my husband” or “my wife”

Trips to Home Depot, the grocery store, and hardware store are actually exhilarating

Your idea of a perfect night evolves

Not only do you start to look alike, you unconsciously dress alike

Weird doesn’t exist anymore

You will have epic fights

You will not always like each other

You don’t only marry your spouse but also each other’s family

Some days, marriage is everything you’ve ever dreamed of

Some days, it will take so much work

At some point, you will think about calling it quits

But in the end