While marriages are supposedly made in heaven, all of the maintenance needs to be done right here on earth.

It's possible to get wrapped up in planning your wedding to the extent that you honestly feel like you're in another world. Family members encourage you, friends are envious, and you and your partner find yourselves on cloud 9. For at least a little while, all attention is on you and your relationship. While your fairy-tale romance will carry you through the wedding and your honeymoon, things become more real when you return and the excitement has died down. Sometimes coined 'wedding withdrawal,' many blushing brides have experienced the sense of loss that one feels when finally touching down on reality.

These post-wedding blues are common after such a major life transition. Many people romanticize married life, seeing only candle-light dinners and weekend getaways. The reality is, however, that you two are most likely going to return to jobs, bills and other stressors. You won't always have the time or money to go away for the weekends, nor will you always have the energy. While it's impossible to transform this reality back into a fantasy, you can take steps to make settling down easier.

Fighting the Post-Wedding Blues

• Be realistic. Remind yourself what marriage truly is-a commitment to stand by each other through thick and through thin. Things won't always be perfect, but you can do your part to ensure that your marriage is, over all, a happy one by remaining dedicated, compassionate and respectful with your partner.
• Take some time off. Don't immediately return to your normal routine after your wedding. Take a honeymoon or, at least, take some time off to be together. Focus on each other for what you really are-it will help you remember what's truly important down the line.
• Be accommodating. Remember that you are not the only one who may be going through this-it's quite likely that your partner is feeling the same way. Don't be too self-absorbed. Make an effort to do things for your mate to make them feel better. Hopefully they'll return the favor, but if not, you can feel good about knowing you were there for them.
• Talk if you need to. Talk to other people who may have experienced some of the same feelings, and heed their advice. Get everything off your chest and allow yourself to be comforted. If your depression becomes quite serious or lasts longer than is reasonable, however, be sure to contact a professional.