Good Things Don’t Come Easy, Including Marriage

0

A couple on the couch drinking coffee.Marriage is so hard.

I truly am so lucky that I got to marry my best friend (yep, it’s as cliche as it gets), but that doesn’t mean that we are constantly in a state of wedded bliss. We work on our relationship every single day. Some days are easy, and some days are just plain brutal! 

I am a marriage and family therapist, which means I am technically considered an “expert” on marriage. Guess what? I’m not. I learn new things in my own marriage and in the observance of other people’s marriages every day. 

In my semi-expert opinion, here are some things that will help you have a healthy and happy marriage.

1. Never go to bed angry.

I am sure you are already rolling your eyes, but going to bed angry adds unnecessary stress that you end up starting your next day with. Who in their right mind needs or wants to start their morning with an ongoing argument, in addition to making sure all you and your kids get out of the door fed and dressed. 

2. Communicate.

Use “I” statements and ask questions. Even if you have been together for a long time, you would be surprised to know that there are always things that you can learn about your partner. Not to say there will not be times where you feel like your talking to a wall or saying something for the 100th time, but sometimes, we have to cut our partners some slack.

3. Forgive.

I know sometimes it’s so hard to let things go. As the person who knows you best, your partner knows exactly what buttons to push, and forgiving is the last thing you want to do when you feel so angry. I promise that letting things go, even when you may not want to, will lighten the load we already carry each day. 

4. Always laugh.

Always, always make each other laugh. It releases stress, and it’s just straight-up fun. Don’t ever take anything too seriously. Smiles and laughter help to make a marriage go round. Have inside jokes with your partner. It’s fun to make each other laugh at any given time. 

5. Be respectful.

Bring it back to kindergarten with the golden rule; “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Treat your partner to the caliber that you would like to be treated. I bet you will be happy with the results!

6. Physical touch.

Whether it’s a hand-hold, a cuddle, a kiss, or sex, having physical intimacy with your partner will keep a healthy balance in your relationship. Have you ever tried an intimacy challenge?

Marriage is hard. Every marriage goes through ruts. Every couple has arguments. And, every marriage has things that need to be worked on. You have the power to make it easier on yourself by following some of these simple tips. Always work on your marriage, and your marriage will work for you! 

Previous articleConfessions of a Nursing Mama
Next article2022 Summer Camp Guide
Melissa
Melissa was born and raised in Fairfield County. She currently lives in Stamford with her husband and their three children. She spends most of her free time driving her children to various activities and making sure they are living the dream! She does make time for solo Starbucks and Target runs because self-care is important! You can also find her on Instagram @the_storied_mind, where she creates posts in the hopes of helping others and breaking the stigma for people to reach out for help regarding their mental health.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here