I read multiple translations (Ahmed Ali, Yusuf Ali, Picktall, Asad). I use Islamicity for searches. I also read the one here and other translations. Also use corpus quran.com and word for word translation at http//islamicstudies.info/wordtranslation. Also I read tafsirs. I look at the verse, the context and the chapter trying to understand what it is about. by reading different translations, you will notice how something is translated. Have come to see that None of the translations of the koran are accurate. Keep in mind that those who translated are not free from bias, influence, and such. When I read the Koran, I try to understand from the Quran only and use the faculties that God gave me. This is my approach.

Peace Kristina, If you study Quran really hard you will discover that it actually tells you not to follow such teachings. God's religion is not filled with complicated rituals or restrictions. If someone forbids what God has not outright forbidden then it is disobedience. Also there is ironically hadith which tells Muhammad told that nothing should be written down from him except Quran. This hadith goes in line with the Quranic warnings too. I see that you may be in deep trouble being married to a traditional Muslim when having your eyes opened by God. I am somewhat in the same situation with my wife. I do not want my wife to teach my son to praise Muhammad as Christians praise Jesus. God will surely forgive you for your past zealous ways as long as you stick to the Truth now. And welcome to the forum. God bless you