Let's face it, relationships aren't easy. You've got to work at them constantly, and even then, things still go wrong.
Despite reading all of the relationship articles and saying "I love you" every day, even the closest couples will still have a fight every once in a while.
Many fights are about stupid things, like who left the cap off of the toothpaste again. Some fights — usually the ones about money or work — are more serious. Sometimes we shout or storm out, but most couples typically regret the harsh things they say when emotions run too hot.
That's why some newlyweds are starting their marriages with something called a "First Fight Box."
Scroll through below to learn the beautiful meaning behind the box, and why it's inspiring some couples to bring a hammer and nails to their wedding ceremony!
While not everyone might feel that the Fight Box is right for their special day, it's definitely a clever and hilarious way to remind each other what really matters in life.
What do you think about the Fight Box? Let us know in the comments.
[H/T: Celebrate Intimate Weddings]
If you're attending a wedding in 2016, don't be surprised if you see the bride and groom bust out some carpentry tools in the middle of the ceremony.
No, they haven't changed their mind about getting married. It's likely they're embracing a tradition called the "First Fight Box."
It's hard to say when the Fight Box (also known as a Wine Box) tradition was born. It likely grew out of other wedding traditions meant to give the couple something to look forward to on their first anniversary, like freezing and eating the top tier of their wedding cake.
Author and relationship coach Larry James explains how the Fight Box works: "A few weeks before the wedding, take some time to each write a letter to one another, expressing your thoughts about the good qualities that you found in your future partner, the reasons for falling in love with them, and your hopes and dreams for the future."
James continues: "In other words, you write a 'love letter' to each other and place it in a sealed envelope, with the name of your partner on the outside. Do not read what the other has written."
Some couples choose to write one long letter, while others choose to write a variety of sweet messages to their partner. The letter is joined by a bottle of the couple's favorite wine — sometimes two!
Fight Boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Some couples choose to make a DIY version from an actual wine box, while others choose to buy a pre-made box inscribed with their names and the date of their wedding.
The first rule of Fight Boxes is that there are no rules! Couples are free to create the box that feels right to them.
During the wedding ceremony, the officiant will explain the meaning behind the tradition and what the couples have done to prepare it.
Then, the bride and groom each take turns hammering nails into the box so it can't be accidentally opened.
Some choose to simply lock the box if hammering isn't desired (but doesn't hammering sound more fun?).
In some cases, each member of the bridal party also gets to contribute a nail.
Then, the couple promises each other to open the box on their fifth anniversary or after their first fight, whichever comes first.
In the very likely event that it's a fight (after all, we're only human), the couple opens up the box, pours the wine, and retreats to separate areas of the house to read the letters their partner wrote just before the wedding.
Larry James says: "Even if you are not seeing eye-to-eye at that very moment, it will remind you of all the reasons you chose this person as your partner and all the things that helped shape the life [you've] created together. Never take your blessings of being together for granted."
One bride who made a Fight Box with her groom says, "We loved the idea of being able to relive the feelings from our wedding day 10 years later — or if we experienced any problems before then. Our wedding ceremony was very much 'us,' and we both felt like this unique ritual really fit us as a couple."
The story behind the "First Fight Box" is absolutely beautiful. Couples around the world are using this tradition as a reminder about the power and strength of their love and commitment.
How do you and your partner deal with a fight? Do you like this unique idea? Let us know in the comments below.
Please SHARE this beautiful idea for keeping a marriage strong, even in the face of disagreement!
