During the initial days of marriage, we will display a lot of affection and excitement when we are with our partner. But, this phase often does not last long. What are the things we can do to ensure a good marriage?
If you wish to have a happy, healthy, and successful relationship that endures for a lifetime, here are seven marriage tips from real couples.
Have the Same Hobbies
“Find some hobby that you both enjoy, and do it together. My husband plays the drums, and I play the guitar, so we jam together on weekends and have a lot of fun.”
-Alice, 35, married 5 years.
Doing enjoyable things together works wonders for a marriage. It could be gardening or cooking or even watching horror movies on TV!
Engaging in such activities together increases affection, communication, and cooperation, leading to marital bliss.
Insist on Gadget-Free Time
“One great thing my wife and I did was to establish a ‘gadget-free’ time in our home. As of now, we are working from home, so we need to be on our devices for many hours. But we switch off our phones, TV, etc., during dinner time. Soaking in that peace and quiet can be pretty therapeutic.”
-Sam, 29, married 3 years.
We use phones, tablets, and computers constantly to communicate with others and as part of work. While we can’t do without them, studies show that addiction to such gadgets, especially mobile phones, can lead to depression, lack of connection, and less relationship satisfaction. A study by Baylor University says that cell phone addiction may make your partner feel lonely, neglected, and unimportant. Even an hour of tech-free time can make a great difference to your relationship.
Spend Time Together
“Our son said that that my wife and I should go out on a date now and then. We are really thrilled with the results. We had grown a little apart due to hectic work, but now we have become closer, and we eagerly look forward to our date nights.”
-Jason, 44, married 20 years.
There is nothing like a regular date night to spice up your married life. Go out one night a week for a movie or dinner with your partner. Or just go for a leisurely walk in the park. Just think of the things you used to do when you began dating each other.
According to studies, couples who go on regular date nights manage to boost their romance, communication, and even longevity compared to couples who don’t spend quality time with each other.
Work on your Conflict Resolution Skills
“Knowing how to solve problems together is essential. In a marriage, you and your spouse are part of the same team. Work together, admit your mistakes, apologize when necessary, and focus on resolving issues rather than blaming each other.”
-Troy, 54, married 30 years.
A survey of divorced couples revealed that 53% separated due to their inability to communicate. Without communication, a couple cannot co-exist.
For a successful marriage, try to resolve conflicts by improving your communication.
Talk to your spouse, face to face. Texting is no substitute for speech and touch.
Do not belittle your partner during arguments or bring up their past mistakes. You are not enemies but partners. Happy couples know how to compromise.
Don’t Bring Work Home
“My husband and I have a pact not to discuss work during a date night. Work is stressful anyway, so it makes no sense to talk about it when we are supposed to relax and have fun.”
-Harriet, 34, married 9 years.
Don’t allow work to intrude into your family life. Carrying your work home brings stress into your relationship, too. Talk about things that relax you and make you happy. If your spouse feels that you are prioritizing work over your relationship, they will resent it. Good relationships boost well-being more than work.
Communicate Often
“I can talk to my wife about anything. We talk about the good as well as the bad things. It keeps the bond between us strong and healthy.”
-Gabriel, 41, married 12 years.
Regular communication with your spouse on a daily basis is key to a successful marriage. Only when you communicate you will be able to clear up misunderstandings, or they will fester and explode later. Communication makes your marital bond deeper, and many studies have shown that it enhances the quality of your relationship as well as sexual satisfaction. Try to be open and honest in your communication. Don’t let small things go out of control.
Boost Intimacy
“My husband and I make enough time for intimacy. It brings us closer and makes our relationship more fun.”
-Ariel, 30, married 7 years.
Intimacy is a very essential ingredient for a good marriage. Hugging, cuddling, kissing, and making love boosts trust, reduces stress, and brings people closer.
Conclusion
Married people, according to many studies, live longer and happier lives. Human beings are just not meant to be alone. We need companionship and intimacy. Marriage is what brings both together in a sacred union of two souls. A successful marriage can make our lives very rewarding and fulfilling. Finding a good person to share our life with is the beginning of the journey. But what makes the journey the adventure of a lifetime are the highs and lows and the twists and turns we go through till we reach the destination.
Follow the 7 marriage tips given above, and you too can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship for a lifetime.
To ensure a happy marriage, one can also go in for horoscope matching, a ritual that has been part of Indian matchmaking for many years among Hindus. Marriage matching can be done online by consulting an expert online astrologer.
