I think marriage just like friendship is a give/take situation. You give some, you take some, and it works in both directions.

A good foundation for marriage is having your cards on the table and explaining yourself. This guy once told me that women are like control towers.... if you say your intentions, while they may not like it, alot of the times they'll suffice with a big and very SKEPTIC 'Roooooger'. Say your intentions, be clear, relay your thoughts and your feelings in a candid way and explain what you'd like to do, and where it is you'd like to get to. Realize though, that you're not gonna be able to 'have it all'....

For instance.... she can put up with your first couple years as an FO in a regional and then become happier as you make it to captain. Then comes a really good offer, flying FO on a 742, with 15/13 schedule.... maybe that'll be the point where you'll have to give some and give it up for the sake of keeping her smiling.... wait till another offer comes along.

That was just a stupid example of application. Applying aviation terms to a relationship. Just be clear, honest and realize that if you lay it all ahead of time, she might very well be your driving force, or in your case your JET-A fuel for your career, ambitions and motivation when times get rough.

Happy flying, keep it real.

-schone