Marriage is a journey with no ends
The road careens and goes around many bends
You take on this journey as a pair
You both need to learn how to steer

The road has many potholes and boulders
The load has to be borne on both shoulders
The path is not all smooth and straight
You will sprint and often also wait

There will be days good and bad
There will be days happy and sad
You will certainly enjoy the good days
You must also learn how to manage the bad days

Deal you must with adversity
With care, respect and sensitivity
Every issue has two sides
See it not only from your eyes

Disagreeing is OK, being disagreeable is not
Don’t open your mouth while tempers are hot
Let the emotions cool down
Let smiles replace your frown

Don’t keep score as to who is wrong and who is right
You are not in the ring for a fight
The key is to get to a common ground
It matters little if you go straight or come around

There will be tensions galore
There will be days to abhor
The antidote is open communication
Running away from the problem is no solution

Marriage is a team affair without an “I”
As a team, the only limit is the sky
A tandem bicycle is easier to ride
A unicycle on the other hand is difficult in stride

Marriage involves caring
Marriage requires sharing
The more you give to the union
The more you will get in return

Treat everyone the way you will like to be treated
Greet everyone the way you will like to be greeted
Respect every human being poor or rich, black or white
Value life for what it is capable in its full might

Every road has bumps, large and small
Get up and keep going when you do fall
Nothing ever goes in a straight line
Give your best, it will turn out fine

Money is important, but not the end all
Do act of kindness, large or small
To those drowning, extend a hand
To those falling, help them land

Be generous to those less fortunate
Be flexible, kind and not obstinate
Give what you can, in time or in cash
Give often without making a splash

Don’t sweat over the small stuff
You know it’s mostly all small stuff
Take a vow to not go to bed angry or in discord
Talk it out and reach an amicable accord

The initial glow is sure to fade over time
Daily realities will no longer be so sublime
It is then you will have to work harder
To make pleasant moments go farther

Our best wishes are with you now and for ever
Hope you have a life full of vim and vigor
May all your wishes come true in earnest
May the Creator endow you with the very best.

Your Uncle, Ashok

Nuggets of wisdom
Where one lives does not make who he is.
You don’t judge a book by its cover.
Don’t judge people on their looks.
Don’t judge a man(woman) from afar.

@ one of the Niece’s wedding (Hyderabad, India; December 2013)