Tips for a Happy Marriage

Matrimony is a lovely and rewarding relationship, but it also comes with its challenges and difficulties. How can you keep your marriage strong and healthy over the years? What are some secrets of happy couples who have been together for a long time? Today, I will share tips and tricks from real couples who have made their marriage work. Hopefully, we can all learn from them.

Communicate openly and honestly.

One of the most important aspects of any relationship is communication. If you want to have a successful relationship, it’s essential to communicate effectively with your partner. It also helps to resolve conflicts, avoid misunderstandings, and express appreciation and support.

Happy couples communicate openly and honestly with each other. Indeed, they don’t hide their feelings or opinions. They listen actively and empathetically to their partner without interrupting, judging, or criticizing. Furthermore, they ask questions to clarify, show interest, and give feedback to acknowledge and validate.

My grandparents Jacinto and Mathilde were the perfect examples in this category. Their relationship lasted until old age. They told me that one of the secrets to a successful marriage is to talk to each other about their work, hobbies, friends, family, and anything else that comes to mind. They spoke of their goals, dreams, fears, and challenges while still alive. Moreover, they did not shy away from discussing sensitive topics such as money, parenting, etc. They respected each other’s views and perspectives, even if they disagreed. Aside from that, they complimented each other often and showed their love for each other through their actions.

Another valuable piece of advice I still remember that they told me when I was young is that when a couple has disagreements, “If one is fire, the other one should be water.”-Mathilde and Jacinto Darca. It means that in a relationship, one person should balance out the other person’s temperament or emotions. For example, if one person is angry or aggressive (like fire), the other person should be calm or soothing (like water). This way, they can avoid escalating the conflict and resolve it peacefully.

Psychologically, it is based on the idea that opposites attract, which means that people who are very different from each other are often attracted to each other. Of course, this does not mean that a couple should always be opposite in everything. Sometimes, it is good to have some similarities and shared interests. The key is to find a balance between complementing and supporting each other.

In addition, they found that this way of communicating and relating to each other helped them avoid unnecessary arguments and resentment. They also discovered that they had more in common than they thought. In addition, they shared the same values, goals, and dreams. They supported each other’s growth and happiness. Moreover, they realized that opposites attract. Most importantly, similarities sustain.

They were happy together, not because they were the same, but because they were different. And they knew how to make their differences work for them.

Spend quality time together.

Another essential ingredient for a successful marriage is quality time. Quality time is the chance you spend with your partner doing something you enjoy and value. It can be anything from watching a movie, walking, cooking a meal, playing a game, or just cuddling on the couch.

Quality time helps to strengthen your bond, create shared memories, have fun, and relieve stress. It also shows that you care about your partner and prioritize your relationship.

Happy couples spend quality time together regularly. They don’t let their busy schedules or other distractions get in the way of their intimacy. Also, they make sure to have some variety in their activities. Thus, they don’t get bored or stuck in a rut.

My friends Tom and Lisa have been married for ten years. They have three young children and demanding jobs. However, they always find time to spend with each other every week. They told me they have a date night every Friday where they go out for dinner or watch a show. Aside from that, they also have a family night every Sunday, where they play board games or watch a movie with their kids. They also try to do something new or different every month, such as taking a class, visiting a museum, or going on a trip.

Show respect and appreciation.

A third vital component of a happy marriage is respect and appreciation. It means treating your partner with dignity, kindness, and consideration. It also means accepting them for who they are without trying to change or control them, but instead, helping improve each other. Appreciation means expressing gratitude for your partner’s contributions, efforts, and qualities. Also, it means recognizing their strengths, talents, and achievements.

Happy couples show respect and appreciation for each other every day. They don’t take each other for granted or neglect their needs. Besides, they don’t insult, mock, or belittle each other. They speak to each other with courtesy and politeness. Moreover, they say “thank you” often and give compliments generously.

My chef student, who also happens to own a restaurant here in Japan, mentioned that he and his wife treat each other with respect and appreciation in everything they do. They don’t interrupt each other when they are talking or working. Furthermore, they don’t criticize each other’s choices or preferences. They don’t argue in front of their children or friends and speak to each other with affection and warmth. They also say “please” and “thank you” often and give gifts occasionally.

While marriage is not always easy, it can be a birth of incredible happiness and satisfaction if you are willing to put in the work. By communicating openly and honestly, spending quality time together, and showing respect and appreciation for each other, you can keep your marriage strong and healthy over the years.

I hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one.