I got married over a week ago, and everyone keeps asking if I “feel” different. That’s hard to say—it’s kind of like having a birthday. So far, I’m liking being married and being part of a couple, although I’m still not comfortable shedding my single, independent identity. I’ve had it for so long, it’s become who I am. Now I’m partnered, and that identity is having to shift. I don’t know what it will feel like as the years go by, but I’m looking forward to an interesting ride.

My first Saturday night as a married woman was spent much like my Saturday nights when I was single. I drove to Eagle Rock by myself because my husband had to stay home with his kids. It was my first taste of “feeling single” again since we married. At the bar, which had felt so comfortable for so long, I greeted old friends and found myself morphing into my single persona again. But this time it felt strange, like I was an imposter among singles checking each other out.

During dinner, I found myself really looking forward to going home, to being with my new family. I felt giddy. That’s when I knew being married was different. It felt warm and welcoming. It felt safe. It felt like home. I was no longer part of one group, but part of another. I noticed that couples welcomed me more, and married women looked at me as a friend or partner in crime, as though I was part of their club.

I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’m excited about the new path I’m following with my husband. I feel lucky to have found such a wonderful man. He is more than what I had on my “list” when I was single, and for that, I’m so grateful. I no longer believe in lists. I’m back now and will start posting more regularly. We did a cocktail party and then had a wedding, which I highly recommend. I don’t have official photos yet, but I’ve posted a couple that a friend took.