When you decide to marry, it is easy to focus only on the fun you hope to have in your relationship. But a relationship takes effort, and that effort can pay off in a happier marriage. In a recent study, nearly 8 in 10 couples reported being very happy or fairly happy in their marriage. And those who said they were happy with their marriage years later still reported being satisfied with their lives. If your marriage is on the rocks, it can feel impossible to think fondly of your spouse or form any kind of closeness. But, with the right mindset, you can start to heal and strengthen your marriage.
Marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people. It is an expression of love and devotion to each other. However, many times marriages are not successful, or they may be successful but undergo certain changes. It’s wise to plan for a happy marriage from the start. So, what does make a successful marriage? Well, let’s dive into the five tips in this article that can help you and your spouse start your marriage off on the right foot:
Quality Time as A Couple.
The most successful marriages involve the individuals being committed to spending quality time together. The frequency of time spent together is important in building a strong marriage. Every couple needs time to be husband and wife. Some couples spend 4-5 hours or more alone together, while others prefer to spend 45 minutes to an hour with each other. It doesn’t matter how long you decide to spend with each other, it’s what you do with that time that matters the most.
Establish a Plan for Personal Time.
While relationships are often filled with ups and downs, it’s important to remember that even the most successful marriages still require work and effort. In fact, many couples find that having a plan makes their marriage more stable, less stressful, and more rewarding. You and your spouse have to find time each week for yourselves. Traveling, meeting with friends, or reading a good book are all great ways to schedule this time. Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of viewing this time as “me time,” but rather as a time for the entire marriage that will only get stronger from here.
Build Trust.
One of the most important aspects of a successful marriage (or any type of relationship for that matter) is trust. People need to be able to trust one another and be comfortable in putting their heart and soul into those they love. Jealousy, hatred, distrust, and resentment can tear couples apart and make it difficult or impossible to live happily. That’s not to say that you won’t experience these emotions at least once in your life, you just have to try and find a way to overcome these challenges so that your married life doesn’t get affected.
Clearly and Openly Communicate With One Another.
Marriage comes with many responsibilities and challenges. One challenge that couples face is learning how to communicate and openly express their thoughts and feelings without hurting each other. If you are having trouble communicating, your relationship may be suffering from a rough patch. It’s a universal truth that the happiest and most committed couples have open, honest, and frequent communication. However, this isn’t always easy. People say it’s impossible to have great communication, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be honest.
Appreciate your Spouse by Saying Thank You.
Marriage is difficult, but one thing that can make it easier is appreciation. Saying “thank you” is a simple act but one that is too often forgotten. The act of appreciation gives the other person a sense of purpose and self-worth and a way of knowing that you love them. It can brighten up your day and your relationship.
Whether you’ve been married for years or you’re dating just the right person, you probably want to set the tone for a successful marriage. Good communication, trust, and spending quality time together are just a few of the keys to a happy, long-lasting marriage.
