Marriage is a lifetime commitment. It is therefore important to know your partner well to make your happy-ever-after a reality. Most often than not, couples encounter ups and downs in their day to day life. But these struggles are the key to a stronger married life.
For newly wed couples, here are some tips on how to have a happy married life:
1. Do what makes your partner happy
According to the marriage and family life therapist Neil Rogers, couples should live by the golden rule. If couples live each day and practice reciprocity, they are on their way to a long lasting relationship. Married life is not one sided. It is rather made complete when you make your partner happy and vice versa. It is never biased, because a happy marriage takes two to tango. Knowing what makes your partner happy is very important for a happy marriage.
2. Open communication
Communication is an essential element in a happy marriage. Couples need to express honestly what they feel. Partners must be able to show his or her emotions freely. Whether he is angry, disappointed, happy, or satisfied – whatever it is, the partner should respect and acknowledge these emotions. If you are not comfortable with letting out your emotions, it would be best to practice expressing yourself and laying down all your cards on the table.
3. Recall good memories as a couple
Focusing on the positive side of your relationship reinforces good feelings about each other. Find time to relax and take a look at old photos while you were still going out. Talk about what happened back then and how you were able to resolve simple problems. These will make you appreciate each other and will bring out positive feelings. Make it a habit that once in a while, you appreciate how far you have gone as partners.
4. Stay in love with each other
It is important for married couples to stay in love with each other. Schedule date nights once in a while. Just because you are already married does not mean you have to stop being hopeless romantics. Remember, romance spices up the relationship. So, it is highly encouraged that couples still go out on dates and be by themselves just like the old times.
5. Appreciate each other
When your partner did something good or something extraordinary, it won’t hurt if you express a simple “thank you”, “that’s very nice of you”, or “you look good today”. It boosts your partner’s self-esteem. It also gives them a sense of security that no matter what happens or how your partner looks like, you accept him wholeheartedly.
6. Maintain physical intimacy
Never take small things for granted. You never know what a simple kiss and hug could do to your partner. Physical intimacy is important in a happy marriage. There are times when small arguments end up getting settled with a simple hug or kiss. Nonverbal cues are equally important as verbal cues. Both are needed as reinforcement to positive feelings as husband and wife.
8. Learn to empathize with your partner
Empathy means you can see yourself in your partner’s shoe or vice versa. It is important that you can fully understand your partner even if he is in a good mood or not. Being his or her better half, it is your duty to empathize whatever your partner is going through.
9. Have fun together
It may get boring as the years go by – seeing you spend every single day with the same person. Never forget to loosen up once in a while. You can still attend parties or go clubbing as long as you are together. You can also try to explore new hobbies or new activities as a couple. This is a good way to still get to know each other even if you are already married.
10. Fulfill your dreams together
As a married couple, you should be working towards a common goal. Build your dreams together because it is the ultimate reason for marrying your partner.
Remember that a happy marriage involves two persons. It takes a lot of commitment and effort to show your partner how much you want your married life to last forever. Now that divorce is very common among couples, you have to prove that you are different. Your marriage will last if you follow the easy steps on how to have a happy marriage.
Jo is Freelance Writer for 8 years now. She writes articles about Health & Fitness, Beauty Tips, Education, Business, Finance, Software, Technology, Marriage, & Relationship.