We asked the experts what couples can do to have a happy marriage. Follow their helpful tips for a stronger, healthier. even stable marriages require regular maintenance and management. To help you keep your promise to live happily ever after, we talked to therapists, relationship experts, marriage counselors, and consulted tons of research to gather the best pieces of marriage advice we could find. With these marriage tips, you will be setting yourself up for a happy and healthy relationship for years to come.
A happy marriage requires effort and dedication from both partners. It's not always easy to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship, but there are some key rules that can help you and your spouse build and maintain a strong and happy marriage.
Communication is key. It's important to keep the lines of communication open and honest with your spouse. This means being open to discussing your thoughts and feelings, and being willing to listen and understand your partner's perspective.
Respect each other. Show your spouse the same respect and consideration that you would show to any other important person in your life. This includes being patient, understanding, and supportive of each other's goals and dreams.
Make time for each other. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it's important to carve out time for your relationship. This could be as simple as having a weekly date night or taking a weekend getaway together.
Practice forgiveness. No one is perfect, and it's inevitable that you and your spouse will make mistakes. It's important to practice forgiveness and let go of grudges in order to move forward and grow together.
Show appreciation and gratitude. Take the time to express your appreciation and gratitude for your partner. This could be through words, actions, or gestures of love and affection.
Keep the romance alive. It's important to keep the spark alive in your relationship. This could mean surprising your partner with small gestures of love and affection, or planning special date nights or getaways.
Seek help when needed. It's okay to seek outside help if you and your spouse are struggling with issues in your relationship. Consider seeking the guidance of a marriage counselor or therapist to work through any challenges you may be facing.
Never both be angry at the same time.
Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.
Never bring up mistakes of the past.
Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
At least once everyday try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your life's partner.
When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.
It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking.
Many couples grow closer when they share some form of spiritual connection. This can be done in many different ways. For example, it may be through an affiliation with a church, synagogue or mosque, through meditation or by simply spending time in nature or intimate conversation.
The ability to talk and listen to each other is one key to a healthy marriage. You should never assume your partner knows what you are thinking or feeling. Tell your spouse what is going on—and as a spouse, know when to simply listen. Learning to really hear your partner is a skill that may require practice. There are many resources available like books, marital education workshops and online courses. All of these options can help couples learn how to communicate more effectively.
Marriage therapist and researcher John Gottman, Ph.D., has found that criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling are serious threats to a marriage. The more a couple engages in these destructive activities, the more likely they are to divorce. His decades of research and of working with couples have shown that spouses who stay together know how to fight without being hostile and to take responsibility for their actions. They are also more likely to respond quickly to each other’s wishes to make up after fights and repair the relationship.
By following these rules and putting in the effort to maintain a healthy and happy relationship, you and your spouse can build a strong and fulfilling marriage.