You can spot them from a mile away. If they aren’t fawning over each other’s details, they’re at each other’s throats.

The bipolarity of the newlywed couple is probably more amusing than obnoxious.

Especially if you’re an oldlywed, a marriage veteran, you know exactly what’s going on.

I am delighted to say that Zach and I are that newlywed couple. I couldn’t honestly tell you how often it’s obvious, but I assume we’re as obvious as the rest of them.

One evening after work, I asked Zach if we could go get happy hour sushi. There is a little place near our apartment that has $4 sushi rolls between the hours of 4 and 7pm, and you should know that I don’t play around when it comes to sushi specials. I am borderline obsessed with the cuisine. There’s something extraordinary about smoked salmon and eel sauce.

Of course I arrived at the restaurant earlier than anticipated, apparently my foot is heavier on the gas when I’m excited.

The topic of the disagreement that followed isn’t important, but what is? We were once again that newlywed couple arguing in public.

I’m that girl that stops being hungry when upset. You may be that girl, and if you aren’t, you probably know her. I’ve thrown a meal in the trash mid-argument before to be dramatic. So there I was with one of my favorite meals just sitting in front of me. Our waiter knew exactly what was going on, and he kept watching us from a distance to avoid an awkward interaction.

I am convinced that arguing in public is a good thing because it keeps both parties calm and focused on the issue at hand.

That may not be the case for every couple, but it definitely is for Zach and I. We’re both usually very aware of our surroundings, so getting out of hand isn’t really an option.

The argument that ensued wasn’t a new one (it usually isn’t), but the difference between this time and the rest? It resolved calmly and quickly. Now, we’ve only been married for five months, so I know we have a long way to go.

But my gosh, our progress is becoming visible.

Is this the kind of stuff we have to look forward to? You always hear you have to work hard at your marriage, but to watch that hard work pay off feels significant.

Sometimes you’ll be that newlywed couple arguing and losing their appetite, and sometimes you’ll be that newlywed couple that hasn’t stopped smiling. Usually you’ll experience both of these scenarios within an hour. Keep working hard. The key is gradual progress. Life won’t get any easier, but your marriage can get stronger.