First Anniversary Anxiety

Awww I'm so sorry it feels more like a burden than a blessing. *hugs*

Sorry, lady

Dont lie about the photos - say they didn't turn out great and maybe just show them your favorite one. Laugh it off and say they were a mess but you have one you love and show that one. Lying and avoiding is only to increase your anxiety.

Be as honest as possible, but you dont have to tell people everything that's going on. Control the conversation and you will be less anxious.

If the hiding makes you more miserable then don’t. I don’t think it’s uncommon to struggle through the first year. I know a number of people who say how hard the first year is and had to seek counseling. It’s awesome that you guys can do that. Work on your issues and come out stronger in the end.

Not something you you really want to brag about but I don’t think it’s bad to be honest that hey this first year is hard and we’re working through it. I think counseling is becoming so much more common and talked about.

So so don’t get down on yourself for any of it.

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I don't have a single picture I like much less love from our wedding day.

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Aww

What if you put your wedding clothes back on and take some pics just you two. Or take some photos in other clothes you both love. Go to a location that's special to you.

It could be a "treat yo self" opportunity - get hair and/or makeup done again. Maybe renew your vows to one another.

Do you have a talented friend or family member with a camera? Maybe taking some do-over/anniversary photos would make you feel better and give you something to show off.

I agree with PPs.. I have heard of people not liking their wedding photos or felt they didn't get certain shots so they have redone them. Book a hair/makeup appt. Rent a suit and put your dress back on... maybe "reliving" that special day will help you and your husband emotionally break through AND give you photos you love!

Unfortunately this is how I felt for my first marriage. We divorced the 2nd year. I was so depressed by that point that I didn't leave my apartment except to go to work. I got a dog to help me get out and that really helped. I didn't want to get divorced but once I made the decision it was like a big weight lifted off me. I'm now happily married and going to celebrate 2 years this December. It's a big difference!

I agree with PP. Maybe a "do over" of your photos would help bring you back to the big day, and maybe why you got married in the first place. Year one, I've heard, is always hard. If it's something hard to talk about just the two of you, bring it up in your next session. I also agree to not lie about how your feeling. You may find telling people what your actually feeling could help as they may have some advise that we don't. I really hope you get to feeling better soon!

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That's awesome! I am so glad you found happiness.

While I appreciate the suggestion of doing another photo shoot, I don't think that's going to help. I don't have very much self esteem anymore and I don't feel exactly happy about celebrating a year of marriage because it's been unbelievably hard. To me it would seem like nothing more than another lie. I do appreciate it though, perhaps if we weren't in this current situation that would be an option, but we just began therapy together so there's a long way to go.

Although our first year anniversary is still 6 months away I am already planning a trip, maybe you can plan a getaway that will allow you two to be happy together or even try a couples retreat. Wishing you the best!