This Woman's Save-the-Date Shoot With Her Medical Degree is Pretty Much the Best Thing Ever

save-the-date medical degree

Photo: Courtesy Twitter

When one thinks of engagement and save-the-date photos, it’s usually a couple kissing, walking romantically, holding hands, and maaaybe a dog or other furry friend mixed in. But, one doctor-to-be has defied save-the-date etiquette and created a photoshoot to celebrate her relationship (with medical school) by taking photos with her medical degree-to-be…and the results are amazing.

Reddit user DrOttoDO, also known as Megan Otto, shared a parody of her laborious efforts to get her medical degree, using a save-the-date photoshoot with her diploma as her alleged spouse-to-be in an apparent save-the-date photo, according to Bustle. She captioned it, “Not getting married anytime soon, so I sent this Save the Date out instead.” The image posted was of the doctor cradling her medical degree, and in true wedding fashion — reminding her family and friends to block off May 20, 2017 on their calendars, saying, “Megan will go from Ms. to Dr. as she is united in love with her Medical degree.” Well played, Dr. O, well played.

Sure, during the journey from Miss to Missus, relationships take a lot of effort and time. But so does a medical school journey from Miss to Doctor! The doctor-to-be is graduating from Kansas University Medical School next year, and it’s clear that she has a seriously badass (life-saving!) career for which she worked very hard. Since some people spend as much time on their wedding as others do with their medical degree, we can’t disagree — she dedicated her time and energy to becoming a doctor, and deserves to celebrate her career milestone (even if that means a playful photoshoot).

See More: These Gorgeous Engagement Photo Ideas Will Blow You Away

Of course, the internet trolls and supporters were out in full force on Reddit — some loving it and some hating it, obviously. One such user wrote, “I’m assuming someone as educated as a doctor would know this is pure narcissism,” while others came to her defense, saying, “Or maybe the fact that a woman makes a parody of save the date engagement photos was too much for your brain to handle. Usually those who make accusations of narcissism are just jealous/insecure/self-loathing. The woman spent as much money on her degree as some people spend on weddings. The post is funny.” We’d have to agree, random internet commenter! Hey, whatever you want to do — as long as it’s not a boudoir session with your degree. That might be a little weird.

Good luck with your last year of medical school, Dr. O — hopefully your “big day” photos will be just as special. And unlike many brides-to-be, you won’t have to go through as much strife to change your name!

7 Wedding Rules Guests Can (and Totally Should) Break

wedding guests

Photo: Getty Images

With weddings come rules. But, “as the etiquette of weddings changes with modern society a few of the steadfast rules for wedding guests are changing as well,” says Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events and co-founder of The Poppy Group. And with that in mind, here are seven wedding guest rules you totally can and should break. The couple may even thank you.

1. Bringing a Gift to the Wedding
According Jaclyn Fisher, owner of Philadelphia-based Two Little Birds Planning, many couples actually prefer guests not bring a physical gift to their wedding, and would rather you ship their presents directly to their homes, before or even after the big day. “It’s one less thing that guests need to bring, and one less thing that couples need to pack up at the end of the reception,” Fisher explains.

2. Requesting Songs
Sure, the couple probably provided their DJ with a must-play list, and they probably have a style or genre to which they like to stick. “But that doesn’t mean a guest can’t make a request of the DJ,” says Nichols. “It’s up to the DJ to filter that request through the client’s wish list to see if it’s a fit and to determine when the best time to play that song might be. Remember, it’s only a request, and there’s nothing wrong with asking.”

3. Wearing Black
In the past, wearing black was associated with being in mourning — not exactly the message guests typically want to send to a bride and groom on the happiest days of their lives. “But that school of thought is outdated,” says Fisher. “Black is classic, fashionable, and chic!”

4. And Maybe Even White
This has been a non-negotiable rule for eons, and it can definitely be a major horror for some brides. But, Nichols says, “there are actually a surprising amount of weddings that are going all-white, and we’re even seeing brides wearing a pop of color and the bridesmaids wearing white.” Even if the bride isn’t hosting an all-white soir&eacutee, “it’s pretty safe to assume that white espadrilles or cream-colored linen dresses would be perfectly acceptable,” says Nichols. “Just don’t wear anything that screams bridal.”

See More: 20 Last-Minute Wedding-Planning Details You Can’t Forget

5. Choosing a Side
Years ago, guests were ushered to one side of the aisle if they were the bride’s guest, and the opposite side if they were friends with the groom. But, “it’s no longer necessary for the bride’s guests to sit on one side and the groom’s guests to sit on the other,” says Fisher. “These days, mixed seating is OK. Not sitting on specific sides is a great way for guests to mingle and get to know each other.”

6. Enjoying the Extras
Asks Nichols, “Did the bride and groom hire a food truck for late night arrival? Guests may probably be starving from all of that dancing and need to soak up some of the alcohol,” so they will most likely dig in. Same goes for an open bar, if you have one. “There is nothing more upsetting to the couple than hearing that only half of the guests they paid for partook in the special surprise they had invested in and painstakingly planned for you,” she explains. So guests, enjoy yourselves!

7. Leaving Before the Bride and Groom
Barring a special and planned exit, you don’t actually have to stay at the reception until after the bride and groom depart. “With fewer couples planning an official exit and more couples staying on the dance floor until the very last song, it’s not expected that all guests stay past the newlyweds,” says Fisher. “It is, however, best to stay until after cake cutting.”

Real Brides Spill the One Thing They Wish They Had the Morning of Their Wedding

wedding prep

Photo: Paper Antler

The morning of your wedding is a time for strict rest and relaxation, though sometimes things happen that are a little out of your control. Whether it’s forgetting to pack something or having to spend a couple of precious hours tracking down your wedding vendors, sometimes the morning of your wedding is anything but “chill“. Take note of the seven things these brides wish they had with them on the morning of their wedding.

1. A Hiding Spot
“I had 10 bridesmaids and we were all together in the hotel room on the morning of the wedding. It got really loud and rowdy in there. I desperately wanted some peace and quiet and I kept wishing I had a room or a place to hang out in to rest and relax.” — Amanda L, 26

2. An Extra Pair of Hands
“I didn’t hire a wedding planner or a day of person and I wish that I did. Now that I think about it, it would have been worth every single penny. I had to do a lot of last-minute work myself, like tracking down vendors and setting up my DIY projects. By the end of the morning, my nails were chipped and my hair was all sweaty.” — Clarissa W., 31

3. A Food Platter
“I remember being so hungry on my wedding day. The venue we were getting ready at didn’t have any food they could provide us until 5pm. We ended up ordering pizza, because that’s all that was around. I wish I had stopped at a grocery store in the morning and picked up healthier options.” — Paula T., 32

4. Air Conditioning
“The church’s air was out. It was August. We got ready at the church. Let me just tell you that it was miserable and I had my bridesmaids fan me with paper plates.” — Teresa G., 29

5. A Can of Hairspray
“You know how everyone tells you to go to CVS before your wedding and buy everything in the travel toiletry section? Well do it. I didn’t have anything with me that I needed, like hairspray and safety pins.” — Beth L., 28

6. Comfy Clothes
“Before getting in my dress, I wish I had a pair of soft pajamas to hang around in. The only clothes I had were formal dresses for the rehearsal dinner and the Sunday morning brunch.” — Linda M., 34

7. My Dog
“I wish my dog was there for the morning. The hotel was dog friendly and I should have brought her. She should have been a bridesmaid. if I could redo the whole thing, that’s the number one change I’d make.” — Kelly H., 27

See More: 10 Things You Can’t Forget to Do the Morning of Your Wedding

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Katie Holmes Certainly Makes One Gorgeous Bride! See Her Stun in a Wedding Dress

Katie Holmes in Jackie Kennedy Wedding Dress

Photo: Getty Images

Just a single day after the relationship between Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx was officially confirmed (which, duh, we’ve already known about for months, or ahem years…) and Holmes is already rocking a wedding dress — and she sure makes for one beautiful bride! But before you get too excited — we must admit that our hearts stopped beating for a second there! — Holmes isn’t actually planning her wedding to Foxx just yet. So what’s with these pics of Holmes in wedding day wear?

The photos of the actress were actually snapped on the set of the upcoming television miniseries The Kennedys: After Camelot, in which she plays former first Jackie Kennedy. And of course Holmes got to don a recreation of the style icon’s 1968 Valentino wedding dress for the role! That lucky, lucky girl…

We’ve been studying Holmes’ left ring finger since January when the actress was spotted with a stunning diamond sparkler on the red carpet. Her and Foxx have been a rumored couple since 2013 and we couldn’t help but wonder was it an engagement ring? A wedding ring from another secret celebrity wedding ceremony? A bold fashion choice? We had to know! Honestly, we were hoping it was an engagement ring, because gosh darn it, we were aching to see Holmes in a wedding dress! (It’s been far too long since her 2006 nuptials to Tom Cruise.) Well, it looks like we got our wish… Well, sort of. Although, Real Housewives of Atlanta alum, Claudia Jordan, confirmed Foxx and Holmes’ relationship earlier this week, stating on a podcast, “He is very happy with her,” this bridal frock was for a whole different kind of wedding.

For her role in the miniseries, Holmes wore Kennedy’s chic little white dress from her 1968 wedding to her second husband, Aristotle Onassis, according to E! News. And not only does Holmes bare an uncanny resemblance to the real Jackie O., but the woman can definitely work a LWD! One look at that pleated skirt, lace embroidered long sleeves, and high neckline and it’s no wonder that Kennedy has earned her place as a true iconic bride. Plus, it proves that when Holmes does eventually tie the knot with Foxx (we’re waaaiting…), she could effortlessly pull off any basically bridal style.

But you never had any doubts about that, did you?

A photo posted by RakStarz.com (@rakstarz) on Jun 21, 2016 at 6:38pm PDT

A photo posted by Stevie (@therealstevie_) on Jun 20, 2016 at 10:37pm PDT

See More: Leah Remini Reveals Surprising Details from Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ Wedding Nearly Ten Years Later

5 Personalized Bridesmaid Gift Ideas Your Girls Will Love

Choosing your bridesmaids is the easy part. Figuring out what to give them as the perfect thank you gift? A little more challenging. But for everything they’ve done, as both your closest friends and your support system through the wedding planning process, they deserve a little something special. We love the idea of treating your ‘maids to a customized gift that is unique to each of them, an item they’ll know you picked out just for them and that you know they’ll use for years to come. Here are a few personalized gifts your bridesmaids will totally love!

Coordinates Bracelet

Photo: Courtesy of Coordinates Collection

Coordinates Bracelet
Whether it’s the spot where you’ll say “I do” or a different special place for every ‘maid, a customized coordinates bracelet, like this one from Coordinates Collection, is the perfect reminder of a moment you’ll cherish forever — without asking your friends to flaunt your wedding date on their wrist. Coordinates Collection Palisade Bracelet, from $145.00.

Personalized Leather Pouch

Photo: Courtesy of Ciao Bambina

Personalized Leather Pouch
From lipgloss to credit cards to pens and pencils, every girl could use a sleek and sturdy pouch to tuck into her bag. This cosmetic bag comes in classic hues or bright, fun colors so you can pick a style that fits every friend’s personality. Dress it up with her monogram, her name, or a cute phrase, and she’ll always know where her stuff is! Parola Personalized Leather Cosmetic Bag, from $60.00.

Custom Jewelry

Photo: Courtesy of Kendra Scott

Custom Jewelry
Every bridesmaid has her own style, so why not flaunt it with custom jewelry from the Kendra Scott Color Bar? Choose earrings or a necklace that fits her best, then use stones in coordinating hues so she’ll look her best on your big day. Kendra Scott Color Bar Jewelry, prices vary.

See more: 6 Ways to Tell Your Bridesmaids Thank You Beyond Just Gifts

Monogrammed Passport Holder

Photo: Courtesy of Gathered and Sown

Monogrammed Passport Holder
If your bridesmaids are a bunch of jet-setters (or you’re inviting them out of the country for your destination wedding!), a passport holder is the perfect gift — especially when you can choose the colors and add their monograms! Go for a set of covers in matching hues, or mix it up and choose a color combo that fits each of your gals to a T. Gathered and Sown Monogrammed Passport Cover, $35.95.

Zodiac Sign Necklace

Photo: Courtesy of Satya Jewelry

Zodiac Sign Necklace
What’s more true to someone’s personality than their zodiac sign? Whether she follows her horoscope religiously or flips to the back of the magazine just for fun, a necklace featuring your friends’ astrological signs is too accurate to pass up. These charms from Satya Jewelry feature the sign’s constellation, with one star studded with the sign’s birthstone for a hint of sparkle. Satya Jewelry Zodiac Necklace, $98.00.

BRIDES Southern California: Where to Get Eyelash Extensions in Los Angeles

eyelash extension spots in los angeles

Photo: Getty Images

Nothing dresses up a makeup look like full, fluttery eyelashes, but on your big day, the last thing you want to deal with is the hassle of applying faux lashes. Instead, opt for eyelash extensions to achieve long, lush lashes with tons of volume and a glamorous curl—sans mascara—that will last weeks after you say “I do.” From super natural to avant-garde, here are five LA lash bars that will bring out the sparkle in your eyes for your nuptials.

BlinkBar
Choose from over 300 types of luxe lashes — available in synthetic mink, silk, or cruelty-free Siberian mink — at this cult-favorite spot. Whether you go with demure corner lashes for a natural eye-opening swoosh or go all out with an exotic cat eye set that dramatically flares out at the edges, the extensions will stay fresh and full for a month or more. The chic salon’s reasonable pricing (a full set of lashes starts at $120) also makes it a winner for brides on a budget.

Integrity Lash
At Integrity Lash, you’ll be treated like the VIP that you are thanks to private treatment rooms where you can lay back and relax while one of their highly trained master lash designers uses surgical magnifying optics and professional LED lighting to meticulously apply your lustrous lash extensions with pin-point precision. The salon boasts a massive inventory of 3.5 million lashes that makes all other lash bars pale in comparison.

See More: Looking to Get Glam Before Your Big Day? Check Out the Best Beauty Salons in Southern California!

Makeup Mandy
This West Hollywood lash destination is where stars go for their voluminous lashes. Founder and owner Amanda Jacobellis is a celebrity lash and makeup artist whose work has graced numerous magazines and screens big and small—so you know you’ll be in good hands. A full set of feathery lashes applied by Jacobellis herself costs $380 and last approximately six to eight weeks.

Longmi Lashes
Your special day calls for the best of the best — and that means making a visit to lauded lash inventor Daniel Dinh in Beverly Hills known for his unique, multi-layer lash extension technique. Splurge on a full set done by Dinh himself which will run you $330 — totally worth it when you wake up looking flawless on your wedding day.

Mikki Bey
Score ethereal, romantic wedding-ready lashes with the help of lash guru Mikki Bey. An appointment with her at her pretty pink Culver City lash studio includes a consultation, during which she’ll plan out a custom lash look just for you. The extensions will last up to four weeks time, which is perfect for walking down the aisle with lavish lashes and going makeup-free (and still looking gorgeous) while on your subsequent tropical honeymoon.

For more wedding-day beauty specialists in Los Angeles, visit our Local Vendor page!

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A Real Couple's Story of How Taking Fitness Classes Together Made Their Marriage Hotter

couple working out

Photo: Getty Images

Alyssa and Mike Angolia first met in college and fell in love. Apart from traveling, craft beer and other common interests, they also found that working out together was one of their favorite pastimes. Spending time together getting fit not only helped them get in killer shape, but brought them closer, too.

After they graduated, they did a tour of Asia for several months and then settled into jobs — first in North Carolina and then in Los Angeles. It was in L.A. that they discovered they both liked the same type of fitness classes and it was a nice change from the same-ole’ rut of the gym.

They tied the knot and then moved to New York City where they found ClassPass. Now, they go to several classes a week — from hot yoga to boxing — and they both agree it’s made their marriage much stronger. And you know, hot and sweaty.

Here’s how:

ClassPass: How do you decide what classes to take together? What are some of your favorite class types?
Alyssa: Mike is usually open to anything, so deciding on a class to take isn’t terribly difficult. We tend to favor boxing, kickboxing and bootcamps since they are a very comprehensive and competitive workout. But, since Mike has a history with Tae Kwon Do (and with that comes flexibility), he has a surprising enthusiasm for Bikram Yoga.

CP: How do you talk each other into taking new classes?

Mike: Over time we have learned a lot about what the other person likes and try to incorporate a good mix of interests into our workouts. We are always throwing out new ideas for things to try, and having Alyssa push me to step outside my comfort zone, and vice versa, keeps things interesting and motivating.

CP: How has fitness strengthened your relationship? What you have learned about one another and about your relationship?

Alyssa: It’s cliche to say that “a couple that works out together, stays together!” but it is a really great activity to do with your significant other. We both encourage each other throughout the workouts and it feels good to see how strong your partner can be! During the classes, when you just want to give up and really can’t see yourself doing one more push-up, seeing Mike struggling just as much, but knowing that we are struggling together gives me all the strength I need to bang it out. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to know that you will be seeing each other naked in the shower afterwards…

Mike: It’s taught me that there’s nothing Alyssa can’t do if she puts her mind to it, and that she looks amazing in yoga pants!

CP: Has working out together changed your perspective of one another? Is it a turn on for you?
Mike: I think that working out together has given me a deeper appreciation for Alyssa’s toughness and determination. It’s also given me an appreciation for her right hook and the knowledge that that’s something I have to watch out for!

Alyssa: It is certainly is a turn on to see him all hot and sweaty beating up a boxing bag.

CP: What advice would you give to couples who want to try to make fitness a bigger part of their relationship? What are some easy ways to get started?
Alyssa: Every couple should workout together – you’re both getting fit and exercise makes you happier in every part of your life. We started with going with the gym and then talked about different things we wanted to try together. You won’t always agree on the class, but give each other a chance. I didn’t really want to do kickboxing in the beginning, but once I compromised and gave in to one class I was hooked! Now I’m begging Mike to do more boxing classes with me!

Mike: Find what work for both of you and then use each other to keep the other person accountable. Once it’s a routine it becomes much easier to stick with it. And dudes, give yoga a shot. It’s not so bad, it’s actually pretty awesome.

See More: 25 Pieces of the Best Marriage Advice EVER (Collected Over 13 Years)

ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,000 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Have you been thinking about trying it? Start now on the Base Plan and get five classes for your first month for only $19.

The 4 Best Monogram Items to Add to Your Wedding Registry

Chances are, from the time you got engaged you’ve been doodling your new initials, and your new monogram. So when it comes time to register for wedding gifts, embrace the new moniker that will symbolize the joining of you and your soon-to-be husband. From sheets to glasses, check out our favorite monogrammed items to add to your wedding registry.

restoration hardware monogram pillowcase

Photo: Courtesy of Restoration Hardware

Bedding
You’re sharing a bed and all that comes with it — pillows, sheets, etc. So, you may as well mark your newly shared territory with your merged monogram. Whether you’re looking for a subtle nod to your intertwined initials or a full on display, there are tons of options when it comes to personalizing your bedding. Restoration Hardware offers personalization services on most of their bedding options for a small fee, as does Pottery Barn and tons of other retailers. Consider personalizing the corners of pillowcases, fold-down area of top sheets, or make the design the focal point of your comforter / duvet cover. (Italian Hotel Satin Stitch Ivory Sheet Set, $29-135, Restoration Hardware)

monogrammed mug

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie

Bar & Drinkware
Raise a glass to your new name — literally. Monogramming your favorite glasses is a fun way to add a bit of uniqueness and sentiment to your bar cart, wine rack, or wherever you store your stemware! (You’ll definitely want to display these!) Bed Bath and Beyond‘s Susquehanna Lace glasses can be customized in a variety of fonts and designs to suit your personal style. Target also carries a wide range of pieces to sport your new initials, from personalized mini-mason jar shot glasses, whiskey glasses and pitchers, too. For coffee and tea lovers, Anthropologie‘s initial mugs are a fun way to begin your day. (Homegrown Monogram Mug, $5, Anthropologie)

monogrammed towels

Photo: Courtesy of Macy’s

Towels
While bathroom items may be the last thing you think of when it comes to personalization, embroidering towels with your new moniker is a perfect way to make your towels uniquely yours. (Practical yet indulgent décor? Yes please!) Be reminded of your perfect wedding day with monogrammed towels by designer Avanti, available at Macy’s in a variety of hues to match any scheme. Bed Bath & Beyond also offers the “Personalize This” option for their towels, with color and embroidery options for one to three initials. (Avanti Bath Towel, starting at $9.99, Macy’s)

monogrammed placemats

Photo: Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Tabletop & Décor
Coasters, runners, and candleholders, oh my! There are so many options for fun customization when it comes to your tabletop and décor. Pottery Barn carries a plethora of placemats, napkins and napkin rings partner to form the perfect set up your dining room tablescape and complete the look with a monogrammed hurricane to hold your favorite candles. (Linen Hemstitch Napkin and Placemat, $48 – $60, Pottery Barn)

Just remember this pro tip: While it may be tempting to splash your new monogram over anything and everything you can, try to show some restraint. By selecting just a few monogrammed pieces to add to your housewares and décor, you’ll add a dash of classic personalization to your home together without “labeling” everything you own. Remember, less is more!

See More: Want Monogrammed Gifts? Here’s What You Have to Let Everyone Know

Wedding Ceremony Script 101: How Much Control Do You Have Over What's Said?

Planning your wedding means paying attention to lots of little details — the flowers, the place cards, the menu, the playlist. The list goes on and on. But what about the wedding ceremony script? Aside from the order of your bridal party, how much control do you have over what gets said on your big day? It all depends on the type of wedding you’re having.

A religious wedding is always a great ceremony option for brides and grooms, not matter how devout the couple might be, but if you’re looking for a lot of leniency in the script, it may not be the way to go. Many religions have a specific order to the ceremony, and traditions or prayers that are followed at every wedding. However, there are still a few ways to tailor your religious wedding ceremony to you. First, schedule a few meetings with your officiant in the months leading up to the wedding. Allowing your officiant to get to know you and your fiancé on a personal level means that they’ll be able to speak about the two of you more in the ceremony. You can also request specific prayers or psalms that are special to you. In fact, adding a reading from a friend or family is a great way to personalize your religious wedding script. Just check with your officiant to make sure there are no parameters you need to follow in your house of worship first.

A non-denominational wedding, depending on your religious beliefs and officiant, may be the way to go if you want maximum control over your wedding day. Interview officiants and ask if you can work together on the script. This way you ask for changes, and specify the ceremony’s order and any traditions — religious, personal, or custom — you’d like to include. If your officiant is open to it, ask to review their script before the wedding. That way, you can make any changes to anything you don’t like and any additions you want to see.

If you’re getting married by a friend or family member, tread lightly. While a friend may be more open to your requests, they also might feel that the honor of marrying you means they can tailor the script to fit their perception of you two as a couple. If control is something you crave, discuss how much you want to be involved when you ask your friend or family member to do the honors. Knowing ahead of time how the dynamic will play out could save your friendship — and your wedding day.

See More: How to Create Your Own Wedding Ceremony From Scratch

5 Factors That Predict If a Marriage Will Last, According to Divorce Lawyers

divorce

Photo: Getty Images

Nobody enters into a marriage believing it’ll end in divorce. Yet some marriages end this way. While there’s no surefire way to know which marriages will last and which are headed for divorce, there’s one group of people who have observed some trends: divorce lawyers.

Here are some factors that might predict the length of a marriage, according to the people who have witnessed them fall apart.

1. The price of your engagement and wedding
Weird but true: According to an Emory University study, people who pay more than $20,000 for an engagement ring are three and a half times more likely to get a divorce than those who spend under $10,000. Former divorce lawyer and Wevorce founder Michelle Crosby has observed this with her own clients. “Those brides that blindly focus more on the ring, the dress, and the party instead of the importance of what it takes to have a healthy partnership are more likely to one day sell that ring to pay for their divorce,” she says. Divorce lawyer James J. Sexton agrees. “There’s a joke among divorce lawyers that the expense of the divorce is generally proportionate to the expense of the wedding,” he says.

2. How long you’ve been together
The movie The Seven Year Itch is based on a real phenomenon: Census Bureau data show that couples are most likely to get divorced around seven years of marriage. At this point, Crosby says, “couples are no longer excited by their relationship, and all those idiosyncrasies that were initially endearing become intolerable over time.” Other studies, however, have suggested there’s really more of a four-year itch. Either way, the longer you’ve been together, the more your partnership has proved itself.

See more: Drew Barrymore Opens Up About How She’s Dealing With Her Divorce: “You Put One Foot in Front of the Other”

3. Your age difference
It’s becoming more common for women to marry younger men, but for whatever reason, these marriages seem less likely to last. One study found that women three or more years older than their husbands are 53 percent more likely to get divorced than those who are just one year older or up to three years younger. Crosby can also confirm this one. “We’ve found that if a woman is much older than her husband, they are more likely to get divorced,” she says. Sexton has actually seen this work the other way around, though, with older husbands and younger wives. “When people with an age difference marry, they need to think more about what that difference will look like in 10 or 20 years and less about what that difference looks like during courtship,” he says.

4. Whether you’ve rolled your eyes at each other
One study analyzed couples’ conversations and found that when they showed signs of contempt, like eye-rolling, they were more likely to end up divorced. Crosby recommends a “five-to-one ratio” to undo the effects of contempt: “For every negative interaction, you need to compensate with five positive exchanges with your partner.”

See more: This Chart Will Tell You Your Likelihood of Getting Divorced

5. Your incomes
Several studies have found that money is one of the leading causes of stress and conflict in relationships. Maybe that’s why lower-income couples are more likely to divorce. Sexton says having two very different incomes or socioeconomic backgrounds can also put a strain on a marriage. When you watch marriages fall apart, he says, “you see a trend where one party was raised in a household with resources sufficient to enjoy ‘the finer things’ and the other was raised with less.”

That’s not to say, of course, that you’ll get divorced if any of these things apply to you. But it’s possible that they’ll present challenges that you and your spouse will have to work through, and preparing for them can’t hurt.

See more: Wedding Guests Reveal the Moment They Knew the Bride and Groom Would Get Divorced