Marriage is not about how much love you have at the start, but how much love you build until the end. A marriage should be healthy, caring, loving, kind, upbeat, and positive. Here are our top 5 tips for a successful marriage:
1. To thine own self be true
Each marriage partner is imperfectly perfect. Learn to respect and acknowledge the feelings of your spouse and you will know when it is the time to speak or to remain silent. Sometimes just having a listening ear is more important than hearing words of advice. Share your deepest thoughts, dreams, hopes, needs and wishes. Open communication and honesty is vital to healthy relationships. Through your actions, know that when others think of fairness, integrity and reliability, they think of you.
2. Support each other in good times and in bad
Always be there through the good, bad, happy and sad times. Be willing to provide a listening ear, a hug, and emotional support in all circumstances. Trust that you can count on each other and be available not only when it’s convenient, but when you need each other the most. Always have each others back. And man – always get your lady some anniversary gifts for her – she may not remember each present you get her but she will remember when you don’t get her one!
3. Spend quality time together
With life’s pressures, we often forget to relax and enjoy the great company we have. Make time for just the two of you once a week. Do something fun. Spend time together talking, going on dates, and making each other laugh. Shared laughter can make a good relationship great.
Appreciate how amazing your spouse is. Celebrate their accomplishments and encourage their ambitions and goals. Celebrate your joint achievements too, particularly each wedding anniversary when you can show your love and appreciation with time together and the exchange of thoughtful gifts.
4. Settle disputes peacefully
If you have a misunderstanding or a conflict, gently discuss the situation without blaming your beloved for what you think they should, ought or needed to have done differently. Defuse the situation with humor and affection and concede on certain points your partner makes. Forgive not just because your partner deserves forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.
When you feel anger surging up and you want to yell a vulgar retort, say nothing and walk away until you are calm again.
5. Love and respect yourselves as individuals
Don’t rely on your spouse for your happiness and self-respect. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself, no one else can be expected to.
Accept your character assets and defects completely. Make the changes in your life that you know are right for you, not because you think someone else wants you to be different.