Marriage is one of the most significant commitments you can make in life. It’s a decision that affects not just you, but also your partner, and has a profound impact on your happiness and well-being.
While everyone’s circumstances and relationships differ, there are some basic principles that apply universally. In this article, we’ll explore some tried-and-true tips from the past that still hold true today.
Love in Small Gestures
Have you ever heard the saying that “actions speak louder than words”? When it comes to relationships, this couldn’t be truer.
It’s the small daily niceties that show your spouse that you love and appreciate them. Whether it’s preparing coffee in the morning, leaving a sweet note on the fridge, or framing a poster they’ve been eyeing – these little things go a long way in reinforcing your bond.
Why? Because the act of doing something nice releases the feel-good hormone dopamine, which creates a pleasurable feedback loop between partners.
So, what are some daily niceties you can do for your partner today?
Avoiding Negativity
1) Avoiding Negativity
No relationship is without conflict, but couples who focus on the positives and communicate effectively have healthier, longer-lasting partnerships. When we dwell on negativity, it can quickly poison our thoughts and feelings towards our loved ones.
Instead of getting stuck in the negative, try to reframe your thinking. For example, if your spouse forgets to do something, instead of getting angry, focus on what they do right.
By choosing to highlight the good, it will help keep perspective, maintain trust, and communicate effectively. What positive qualities do you see in your partner?
Appreciating Each Other
2) Appreciating Each Other
Everyone wants to feel appreciated and recognized for their efforts. In a marriage, it’s important to show your partner that you don’t take them for granted.
A simple “thank you” or “I appreciate you” can go a long way in fostering gratitude, which increases feelings of mutual respect and admiration. Additionally, being specific in your recognition enhances the impact – consider all the little things your partner does for you and let them know you appreciate it.
When was the last time you expressed gratitude towards your spouse?
Self-Care for a Strong Partnership
3) Self-Care for a Strong Partnership
Take care of yourself, so you can take care of your relationship. It’s important to nurture your own mental and physical health for the sake of your well-being and your partner’s.
Personal improvement creates positivity for both people, further strengthening the bond. Whether it’s going to the gym, meditating, or reading, taking time for yourself shows that you value your own needs, and by extension, the wellness of your relationship.
What is one thing you can do for yourself each day?
Playing to Your Strengths
4) Playing to Your Strengths
No one is perfect and everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Consider dividing tasks based on individual strengths; it saves time, money, and is better for the relationship in the long term.
Don’t fall into traditional gender roles. Instead, identify what each person’s strengths are and delegate tasks accordingly.
This will lead to more productivity and teamwork, which equals a more harmonious partnership. How can each of you contribute to your relationship using your individual strengths?
Productive Conflict
5) Productive Conflict
Arguing is a normal part of any relationship, and it’s essential for honest communication. But it’s important to note that how you argue can make or break your relationship.
Productive conflict means communicating (and listening) in a way that respects each other’s opinions and boundaries. You can’t change your partner’s mind, but you can express your own beliefs without resorting to angry outbursts.
Remember, the goal isn’t to win arguments, but to resolve the issues at hand in a sound and healthy way. What strategy works best for you when the argument begins to escalate?
Resolving Conflict
6) Resolving Conflicts
However, even the best relationships are not immune to hurt feelings and tension. The key is resolution, which means actively working to resolve the issue(s) at hand and making a conscious effort to come to an agreement.
When you and your partner are in disagreement, take a step back and breathe. Once you’ve both had an opportunity to calm down and gather your thoughts, you can approach the situation constructively.
Some things that can help include listening and validating your partner’s perspective, expressing your own perspective respectfully, identifying the root of the problem, brainstorming possible ways to address it, and agreeing on a solution that works for both of you. Finally, remember to reconcile after an argument to show that the disagreement hasn’t weakened the connection you share.
How can you both take proactive steps towards resolution?
Maintaining a Sex Life
Intimacy and sexual desire are fundamental components of any relationship and can be indicative of the overall emotional and psychological bond. A fulfilling sexual relationship should be satisfying for both partners.
It’s important to express your wants and needs in a respectful way because no one can read your mind. The key to maintaining a good sex life is communication, openness, and willingness to try new things with your encouragement.
If you struggle to initiate sex or feel dissatisfied for reasons you can’t identify, consider speaking to a professional. Staying connected in the realm of physical intimacy can help to reinforce emotional connection, which is paramount for a healthy relationship.
How can you and your partner initiate an open and honest conversation around sex?
Conclusion
Marriage tips from the past are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. Daily kind gestures, emphasizing the positive, and taking care of oneself and each other are just tools for fostering a strong relationship.
Even conflicts can strengthen and deepen the connection, as long as you approach them with active resolution and constructive communication. Lastly, physical intimacy is an important part of the relationship.
Keep the lines of communication open, express your needs, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Remember, every relationship is different, but the principles remain the same – respect, communication, and love.
Avoiding Negativity
Negativity can quickly poison relationships and undermine the love and trust between partners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize negativity and keep your relationship positive and fulfilling.
1) Focus on the Positives
One of the simplest ways to counterbalance negativity is to focus on the positives. By appreciating your partner’s strengths, contributions, and good qualities, you create a positive feedback loop that reinforces the bond between you.
When you concentrate on your partner‘s good traits, you’re less likely to dwell on the trivial things that might annoy you. Instead, you acknowledge their efforts and actions, which increase connection and overall relationship contentment.
This simple shift in perspective can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.
2) Communicating Effectively
When issues do arise in a relationship, a positive attitude and effective communication can go a long way in resolving the issue.
Rather than making accusations, try to frame your concerns positively in a way that is both constructive and effective. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements, by saying, “I feel” instead of “You make me feel.” Communicate that you want to work together through the issue rather than pointing fingers.
Ensure that you are actively listening to your partner, and give them the space to respond. It’s also important to choose a time when both parties are open to discussing the matter to avoid escalation and misunderstandings.
3) Choosing Your Battles
All relationships face some annoyances and nitpicks, but it’s essential to realize which offenses are worth the conflict and which ones aren’t. Not sweating the small stuff means letting go of minor irritations and differences of opinion that don’t significantly impact your enjoyment of the relationship.
Choose your battles wisely, and don’t make a big deal out of minor things, which can escalate and cause more significant problems. Taking a step back and considering whether or not it’s worth the conflict is crucial in keeping harmony in the relationship.
Appreciating Each Other
Every relationship is unique, but one thing that remains consistent is the need for appreciation and recognition. Feeling seen and valued by your partner can make all the difference in the success of a relationship.
1) Daily Gratitude
Expressing gratitude and appreciation to your partner should always remain a daily habit throughout your relationship. Remembering to say “thank you” or letting your partner know you appreciate the things they do for you communicates gratitude.
These little affirmations can make a big difference in how your partner perceives the relationship. Acknowledging even small acts of kindness can promote a positive tone in the relationship and increase fondness between partners.
2) Feeling Seen and Heard
When our significant others show interest in our lives and listen to our thoughts, we feel seen and understood. Conversely, when our partners seem distracted or uninterested, it can lead to feelings of abandonment and disconnection.
To make your partner feel appreciated, ask them how their day went, remember their interests, or show an active interest in their life and goals. Listening and having meaningful conversations with your partner can deepen your understanding of them and strengthen your connection.
This bond-building behavior shows your partner that they are valued and that you care about their well-being.
Avoiding negativity and appreciating each other in a relationship takes work, but it’s work that will pay off in the long run. By focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship, healthy communication, and choosing your battles wisely, you safeguard the emotional bond between you and your partner.
Additionally, by showing daily gratitude and interest, your partner will feel valued and seen, which can lay the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship.
Self-Care for a Strong Partnership
In any relationship, both parties need a solid foundation of their own.
Strong individuals make a strong partnership. By prioritizing personal self-care and improvement, couples can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling relationship, where both partners contribute equally.
1) Personal Improvement
Personal development should be an essential part of every individual’s life. Focusing on your own self-improvement can lead to a more fulfilling life, which, in return, benefits your relationship.
Self-improvement can be any activity that enhances physical, mental, or emotional wellness, such as exercise, trying a new hobby, or taking care of personal responsibilities. By being fulfilled in your individual life, you bring that level of satisfaction into your partnership.
Doing everything together can lead to codependence, and it’s good to have some personal space to fortify your relationship.
2) Balanced Relationship
It’s essential in any partnership to maintain a balanced relationship, where both parties participate in maintaining the partnership’s health.
While it’s good to be there for each other emotionally, a relationship cannot be solely about healing each other’s wounds. Being a support system for each other’s struggles and providing guidance is crucial, but if one partner is the sole focus of the relationship, it can be damaging to both parties.
Recognize that both parties have flaws, and being partners does not equal being naturally equipped to handle each other’s issues. Being in a balanced relationship means recognizing that the couple is functioning together as balanced adults, not as therapists or coaches for each other.
3) Compensating for Each Other
No individual is perfect, but in a relationship, we often make up for each other’s deficiencies. Taking on the load when your partner is struggling, even in the small things, can greatly strengthen the bond between you both.
Providing emotional and physical support can set the tone for the relationship and increase trust. Knowing when and how to support your partner takes recognition of their needs and discernment of your own abilities to provide support.
Playing to Your Strengths
People are often inclined to measure their strengths against their partner’s, rather than realizing strengths are unique to each individual. Recognizing your own qualities and strengths is crucial to any partnership.
Playing to each other’s strengths can help elevate the relationship to the next level with each partner contributing their essential skills to the partnership.
1) Personal Assessment
Acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, both individually and in your relationship, will guide you towards the division of labor.
Recognize areas you excel in, areas that you fall short, as well as areas that you simply do not enjoy doing. Understanding these qualities in yourself will also help you communicate your needs and work through conflicts more efficiently.
2) Carving out Roles
After identifying individual strengths and weaknesses, carving out roles for each partner is essential. This is more than splitting up household chores; this means identifying traits that will aid the success of shared tasks or responsibility.
A great example is when one partner is strong financially, while the other excels in the household management and a partner whose role exceeds at social events planning. Properly identifying these roles and delegating tasks accordingly can not only save time and reduce the load but strengthen the relationship further.
Self-care, playing to one’s strengths, and balancing responsibilities are keys to relationship success. Having individuals centered around personal growth and principles, independent of the relationship, shows that the couple sees each other as people, not just partners.
By being balanced adults, not trying to fix each other’s issues and instead providing support, and playing up each other’s strengths, each partner contributes equally to a more satisfying and durable partnership.
Productive Conflict
Conflict can be destructive, but it doesn’t have to be.
In fact, conflict can be productive if managed in healthy ways. To do so, it’s essential to learn the skills of fighting fair and trusting each other.
1) Fighting Fair
Fighting fair means disagreements are respectful and conducted in a way that leads to productive conflict. There is no such thing as a perfect couple, and disagreements are a natural part of any relationship.
Sometimes it’s about learning how to meet each other halfway, and that often requires compromise. It’s important to also recognize that emotions can run high, meaning taking breaks when needed or walking away to take a breather is acceptable.
Some behaviors that fighting fair includes are actively listening to each other, considering the other’s point of view, using “I” statements, focusing on one problem at a time, and never resorting to name-calling.
2) Trusting Each Other
Trust is crucial in any healthy relationship, where partners are their true selves without hesitation or fear of judgment.
Trust gives individuals room to grow, and by growing individually, they strengthen their capabilities in the relationship. Trust entails being honest and open about what you feel, what you need, and what you expect.
When both parties feel heard and seen, they can form a more positive bond, one anchored in trust. Trust includes demonstrating reliability, accountability, and respect towards each other.
Resolving Conflicts
Not all disagreements resolve on their own, and some require conscious effort from both parties. The first step is seeking resolution.
Identifying the problem and being specific is a good first step in finding a resolution. Misunderstandings often arise simply because of the approach someone took, the timing of the discussion, or the way something was interpreted.
Identifying these specific issues and discussing them will help prevent more significant issues from arising.
1) Ending on a Positive Note
Post-conflict reconciliations are key to maintaining healthy relationships.
It’s important to remember that after a conflict, you still value your partner and want to show appreciation for them. Processing the resolution, validating each other’s perspectives, and voicing gratitude and love are some ways to finalize a conflict.
Make amends, but also reestablish your appreciation for each other. Saying “I’m sorry,” only goes so far when the words aren’t followed up with actions.
Resolving conflicts in a way that is both healthy and productive can help strengthen any relationship. Fighting fair, trust, conflict resolution, and ending on a positive note are essential skills to incorporate into any relationship.
Life can be complicated, which means conflict is a natural part of relationships. However, it can also be a growth opportunity if approached with the right attitude and mindset.
These skills can help couples stop wasting time on prolonged drama and instead plant