When Geoff and I got married July 2017, we had just finished second year and USMLE Step 1. For our wedding we had decided that my childhood pastor would be the officiant. Her message during our ceremony was one that I will never forget. She talked about how ones marriage is like a flower/garden. In a garden you get the pots, the soil, the flowers, the seeds, and the tools you will need to start your garden. But if you don’t fertilize and water your garden, the garden dies. It only flourishes and grows if you put the time and the effort to ensure it flourishes.

She couldn’t be more right. Geoff and I have always tried to make a point to have date night once a week or to spend quality time with each other over the weekend (assuming I didn’t have to work). It was whatever we could make it – trips to Costco, trips to the grocery store, walking model homes, walking around another part of town, or venturing out further to go walk/hike.

Your spouse will spend a good chunk of the first two years (including the summers) studying. Whether that be for a class exam or the boards. Then the last two years are them on rotations both in the local area and away (audition rotations for residency). It sometimes can be hard to fit in time together and it’s easier to find an excuse as to why no time was made. They were busy studying. I had work/other commitments. The kids (if applicable) had this, that, and the other thing. We’re too tired. We forgot. We can do it another day. The list goes on. But anything important is worth making time for. Let your relationship/marriage be a priority. You won’t regret it.

xoxo
Michaella