Thinking about the change that will soon take place in my life, I discovered the easiest way to treate it - as a new level. RPG players will probably understand what I'm talking about, as will most gamers. The enemies become tougher, the setting is slightly (but not too much) different, and most of the time You get new abilities, tools and weapons.
I'll certainly have some new responsibilities with the - let's call it 'familiar' (AD&D players will know) - on the way, and the 'Married' status will certainly have effect on other areas on my life. I won't be a target to so many NPC-s (non player characters, and here I stop explaining) any more, but there will peobably be greater expectations from the side of the family.
And what do I get? A ring, not even magical, and which I had to pay for. On the other hand, in every game I played, a new level was supposed to be harder than the one before it, and although You sometimes get new equipment, spells or whatever, the main thing you have to use against new problems and enemies is Your experience. The most versatile tool, and the one that helps in most situations - to recognise, adapt and survive. So I'm going to a new level, and I'll get some experience. A more exiting way of looking at marriage and parenting. I like it.