Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations when it comes to love or our partners. When we fall in love, we consider happiness the most important part of a relationship. However, once you have the first disagreement, you will see another side of your partner that you might not agree with. Having difficulties in resolving arguments can seriously affect your relationship or marriage. So, if you want to make your marriage last, you need to remember these 23 tips.
1. Prioritize your marriage
Your marriage should come first, then your children and last your job. If you do things in this order, your kids will do better and you will be much more productive at work.
2. Be tolerant and accepting
You should never have any expectations from your partner. Just let them be themselves and accept them for who they are.
3. Dream deeper not bigger
This means you should think more about how you spend your time instead of your money. So, try to use every minute of your day.
4. Check in every day
Ask your partner about their day, every day. Instead of just asking what’s for dinner, this simple question can lead you a long way.
5. Keep the lines of communication open
Communication is extremely important in any marriage, because it leads to stronger connection. Having good listening skills and also knowing how to express your feelings are important for this aspect.
6. Learn to argue
Arguing is an inevitable part of a long-lasting and healthy marriage. It is a way to become more satisfied with your marriage whether it is about intellectual, emotional, spiritual or sexual area. But, this only involves having constructive arguments, so if you or your spouse are too upset or nervous, step back and try starting a conversation at a more appropriate moment.
7. Have fun together
Your marriage should also be an adventure, so make sure you do things you both love and that make you have fun.
8. Lower your expectations
Only expect the basic needs to be met, and avoid having unrealistic expectations because they are usually the main reason for divorce.
9. Do something that makes you happy every day
You are the person responsible for your own happiness, and you can’t expect from your partner to do miracles about making you happy. Try to do something that makes you happy every day and your marriage will be much better.
10. Focus on the good qualities of your partner
A successful marriage does not mean being married to a perfect person, in fact it is a marriage where both partners are able to look beyond their imperfections.
11. Spend quality time with them
Time is the most precious thing you can give to someone, so spending quality time with your partner will significantly strengthen your marriage.
12. Pay attention and create a deep spiritual connection
Nowadays it is so difficult to pay attention to our loved ones because of work and responsibilities, but listening to your partner is very important for your marriage. Marriage also requires spiritual intimacy.
13. Don’t forget the little things
Random gestures of love such as a cup of coffee, a little note or calling just to say hello can do a lot about letting your partner know how much you love them.
14. Accept your spouse and never try to change them
In a successful marriage both partners should try to be the better partner instead of changing each other. So, accept your partner for who they are and never try to change them.
15. Forgive them
A good marriage is a union between two imperfect people who know how valuable grace and forgiveness are for a healthy marriage.
16. Take care of yourself
You can’t take care of someone else if you don’t look after yourself first. Try to relax and do things that bring you happiness, because if you are happy you will be full of energy to share it with your partner.
17. Learn new things regularly
A healthy marriage will change and grow over time, so you can also learn new ways to express your love. Doing new things regularly helps your marriage grow and become much stronger.
18. Live in the present
Focusing on the present and on the truly important things will prevent you from being distracted and you will be here for your partner physically and mentally.
19. Celebrate and honor them
Show your partner how much you appreciate them by letting them know that you want your marriage to last a lifetime.
20. Make physical contact a part of your everyday life
This does not include sexual intimacy only. A simple hug, kiss or touch on the shoulder can be just as effective. Physical contact has lots of beneficial effects on your bodies and your connection too.
21. Find ways to support, comfort and take care for them
Being supportive during easy times is not that difficult, but it is a lot harder during challenging times. So, showing support when things are not going as planned is what strengthens a relationship or a marriage. Let your partner know that you are here to protect, support and take care for them.
21. Be grateful for the things they do for you
Show your partner that you appreciate everything they do for you if you want them to feel respected.
23. Respect their alone time
Lots of couples make the mistake of spending too much time together and not having their “me” time. Every person is unique with different interests and hobbies, so it is not bad at all to spend some time apart from your partner in order to do something you enjoy.