When a man thinks straight, he would have a wife, a man needs a woman in his life, someone to share with, the leader in a marriage is a man, that means for you to lead you must be responsible, you don't need to be afraid about anything in marriage because it flows naturally, every marriage is unique, what to expect in marriage is companion, the mere fact you are both alive the love would bring fruits and nobody married that would not have something good to say even though their is up and down , it is normal, everything in this life is so, I kept my marriage tight because I never say bad about my wife likewise she never say bad about me , would you not want this type of approach to you ?

Just keep putting-in the work.

Every broken marriage started the way you explained.

Marriage is a scam. You will soon realize it. A union of pretending and dark secrets from the past.