So much goes on in married life that it would be impossible to capture everything, but these quotes perfectly sum up the significant portions.

According to a recent study, 80 percent of Americans see love as the most important reason for getting married. And it kind of makes sense!

With butterflies running errands in your stomach and making you feel like you're on top of the world, who can convince you otherwise?

But as soon as you tie that knot, well, the game changes. Cards turn, and a new reality of married life opens up to you.

So, marriage isn't for the faint of heart. As any wife or husband can attest, living with your significant other requires a whole lot of love and an unflappable sense of humor.

And this is evident through these brutally honest marriage quotes from people who know it all too well.

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It's no secret marriage life isn't a walk in the park. This is because it's one thing to meet the love of your life and another to commit to a lifelong healthy relationship.

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According to Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and her husband, James Pawelski, the authors of Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts, one of the biggest challenges newlyweds face is how someone can be sure that they're ready for marriage.

Many newlyweds will also put all their energy into wedding preparations and totally forget what it's all about.

The couple says:

A wedding is a magical day, no doubt, and of course something to celebrate.

But what about planning for all the days to come in [your] marriage, which is intended to last a lifetime?

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The Pawelskis add that most peoples believe 'happily ever after' comes naturally. But that's not the case.

They explain:

Research shows it's healthy habits that build long-term love.

So, without your effort, having a successful marriage is hardly possible.

The couple adds:

Popular culture seems to romanticize marriage, making people think that once you get married, you can merely ride off into the sunset together.

That's obviously not the case. It takes work.

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Suzann and James conclude that healthy relationships take hard work, just like anything else worth going for in life.

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Also, by talking to a marriage therapist, newlyweds can better understand how they should treat each other to have a healthy relationship.

However, you don't have to pay a professional to find out what makes a marriage last.