...Build a Happy Marriage

So you have said ‘I do’, and you have vowed to stick together through life’s joys and sorrows. But, as time goes on, you may ask yourself if all it takes is a vow to make a relationship last. Basically, the answer is no. A successful marriage requires more than that.

To create and maintain a happy, healthy marriage you need one simple, but very important ingredient - love. All the components of a lasting relationship such as helpfulness, selflessness and communication, are rooted in love. And, the truth is that love can be nurtured or it can be lost.

Steps to Building a Lasting Marriage

So, how do you sustain and develop a relationship to last a lifetime? Take a look at the following steps to ensure a successful marriage:

• Make time for conversation. Communication is critical when it comes to forming and maintaining a healthy marriage. Because of the differences between men and women - in terms of speaking styles and sensitivities - couples must learn to choose their words carefully, and listen to each other carefully.
• Set and keep boundaries.Your relationship can become unbalanced if you are constantly trying to please your partner instead of yourself. While compromise is expected from both parties, you should be able to stand up for yourself and put your needs first.
• Focus on the positive.Making an effort to understand and appreciate your partner’s interests and view points will help contribute to a strong, lasting relationship. When an issue does arise, focus on how to solve it, instead of dwelling on the source of the problem.
• Make time for date nights.It is important to frequently set some time aside to spend quality time together. This can include activities like sharing a meal, going on a long walk, or watching a movie.

Understanding Your Role in Marriage

Marriage can’t be a one way street with just one partner doing everything. Each party should play a role in order to make a marriage work. It’s important to remember that your roles become more important when times become difficult.

That said, for your relationship to thrive, both you and your spouse have to dedicate time and effort in understanding each other’s needs, feelings, and expectations. A key to a successful marriage is recognizing that your partner needs love, understanding, and kindness just as much as you do.

Conclusion

It takes effort to sustain and nourish marriage. Couples must actively invest in the process of love, understanding, and communication to set the foundation for creating a strong relationship. Remember, a successful marriage doesn’t just happen - it is created.