Successful Marriage Advice for Couples
Alright, lovebirds, let’s get real. Marriage isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; it’s hard work. But with a bit of elbow grease and some sage advice, you can make it work. So grab a drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into some of the best marriage advice you’ll ever get.
Choose to Love Each Other Even When You Struggle to Like Each Other
Here’s the kicker: you’re not always going to like your spouse. Shocking, right? But love isn’t about liking someone 24/7. It’s about choosing to love them even when they’re being a pain in the ass. Love is a commitment, not just a fleeting feeling. So, when your partner’s snoring like a freight train, remember why you chose them in the first place.
Always Answer the Phone When Your Spouse is Calling
This one’s simple. When your spouse calls, pick up the damn phone. It shows you care and that they’re a priority. And hey, when you’re together, try to ditch the phone. Nothing says “I love you” like giving someone your undivided attention. Unless you’re expecting a call from the Queen, your Instagram feed can wait.
Make Time Together a Priority
Time is the currency of relationships, folks. Budget for a regular date night. Even if it’s just Netflix and pizza, make it happen. Consistently investing time in your marriage keeps the connection strong. So, put the kids to bed, pop some popcorn, and enjoy each other’s company.
Surround Yourself with Friends Who Strengthen Your Marriage
Ever heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”? Well, it’s true. Surround yourself with friends who support your marriage, not ones who tempt you to act like a single frat boy. Choose people who’ll have your back and call you out when you’re being an idiot.
Make Laughter the Soundtrack of Your Marriage
Life’s too short to be serious all the time. Share moments of joy and find reasons to laugh, even during tough times. Laughter can diffuse tension and bring you closer. So, crack jokes, be silly, and remember that a good laugh can be the best medicine.
In Every Argument, Remember There’s No “Winner” or “Loser”
Arguments are inevitable, but remember, you’re on the same team. There’s no “winner” or “loser” in a marriage. Work together to find a solution that benefits both of you. Think of it as a team sport; you win together or lose together. No one likes a sore loser, especially in marriage.
A Strong Marriage Rarely Has Two Strong People at the Same Time
Newsflash: You’re not both going to be strong all the time. Marriage is about taking turns being strong for each other. When one of you is having a rough day, the other steps up. It’s a balancing act, and prioritizing what happens in the bedroom helps too. Sex isn’t everything, but it’s hard to build a strong marriage without it.
Marriage Isn’t 50-50; It’s 100-100
Forget the idea of splitting everything down the middle. Marriage is 100-100. Both partners need to give everything they’ve got. It’s not about keeping score; it’s about going all in. So, stop tallying who did the dishes last and just do them.
Give Your Best to Each Other, Not Your Leftovers
After a long day, it’s easy to give your partner what’s left, but they deserve your best. Don’t let work or other commitments drain you so much that your spouse gets the scraps. Prioritize each other, because that’s what keeps the spark alive.
Learn From Others, But Don’t Compare
It’s easy to look at other couples and think they’ve got it all figured out. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Learn from others, but don’t compare your marriage to anyone else’s. Your journey is unique, and that’s what makes it special. So, embrace your own path and trust that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Don’t Put Your Marriage on Hold While Raising Kids
Kids are awesome, but don’t let them take over your marriage. Make time for each other, even when you’re exhausted. Because one day, the kids will leave the nest, and you don’t want to be left with an empty marriage. Keep the romance alive, even if it’s just a stolen kiss in the kitchen.
Never Keep Secrets from Each Other
Secrecy is the enemy of intimacy. Be open and honest with each other, even when it’s uncomfortable. Secrets create distance, and distance can lead to trust issues. So, lay it all out there and build a foundation of transparency.
Never Lie to Each Other
Lies break trust, and trust is the bedrock of a strong marriage. When you mess up, own it. Admit your mistakes, apologize, and seek forgiveness. Saying “I was wrong. I’m sorry. Please forgive me” can go a long way in healing wounds and rebuilding trust.
Forgive Quickly
When your partner owned it and said sorry, forgive them quickly. It promotes healing and gives you both a chance to move forward. Saying “I love you. I forgive you. Let’s move forward” can be incredibly powerful. Holding onto grudges only drags you both down.
Be Patient with Each Other
Patience is a virtue, especially in marriage. Your spouse is more important than your schedule. Be patient with their quirks, their mistakes, and their bad days. Remember, you’re in this together, so cut each other some slack.
Model the Kind of Marriage You Want for Your Kids
Your kids are watching, and they’ll learn about relationships from you. Model the kind of marriage that makes your sons want to be good husbands and your daughters want to be good wives. Show them what love, respect, and commitment look like.
Never Talk Badly About Your Spouse to Others
Venting about your spouse online or to friends is a no-go. Protect your partner’s reputation and keep your grievances private. If you need to talk, do it with each other or a trusted counselor. Your marriage deserves that level of respect.
Always Wear Your Wedding Ring
Your wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment. Wear it proudly as a reminder that you’re connected to your spouse and off-limits to the rest of the world. It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about your dedication.
Connect to a Community of Faith
A good church or faith community can make a world of difference in your marriage. Surround yourself with people who support your relationship and share your values. Faith can provide a strong foundation and a sense of purpose in your marriage.
Pray Together
Praying together can strengthen your bond and bring you closer. It’s a way to invite a higher power into your marriage and seek guidance together. Even if you’re not religious, finding a shared spiritual practice can be incredibly grounding.
Choose Silence Over Saying Something Mean
When you’re angry, it’s tempting to lash out. But sometimes, saying nothing is the best option. Words can wound deeply, and it’s hard to take them back. If you can’t say something kind, bite your tongue and cool off before speaking.
Never Consider Annulment as an Option
A perfect marriage isn’t about two perfect people; it’s about two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other. Annulment should never be on the table. Commit to working through the tough times and growing stronger together.
Communicate Clearly and Often
Here’s the deal: if you ain’t talking, you ain’t connecting. Effective communication is like the GPS of a healthy marriage. You gotta lay it all out there—feelings, needs, worries, the whole shebang. No tiptoeing around the big stuff. It’s all about building trust and understanding, and that starts with shooting the breeze with your partner.
So, don’t be afraid to spill the beans. Whether it’s about the pile of laundry they conveniently ignore or the fact that you secretly hog the blanket at night, clear the air. And hey, it’s not just about the heavy stuff. Share the good, the bad, and the random. Got a killer burrito recipe? Share it! Had a crappy day at work? Vent about it! The more you talk, the closer you get. It’s like relationship magic.
Remember, folks, communication isn’t just about the words. It’s about being present and really hearing what your partner’s saying. So, put down the phone, turn off the TV, and give your undivided attention. And hey, if you’re not getting it right off the bat, it’s all good. It’s a learning curve, and we’re all figuring it out as we go. Just keep the convo going, and you’ll be golden.
So there you have it! Marriage is a rollercoaster, but with these tips, you’ll be strapped in for the ride. Hang on tight, support each other, and never forget why you chose this crazy adventure together in the first place. Cheers to love, laughter, and a lifetime of making it work!
