Tips : Keeping a Happy Marriage
I don’t know how you feel about marriage.
Is it something worth sacrificing and fighting for?
Do both you and your spouse put in a lot of hard work to build the relationship?
Or, perhaps you feel it’s okay to just … end it, when both are no longer ‘in love’?
…
If you ask me, I personally believe that once you’ve decided to marry someone, you’re ‘stuck’ with that person ’till death do us part’.
This year, we’ve been together for 17 years (14 years of it as a married couple).
Though none of us could know how many more years we have in our lives, I’d say the journey is most probably still very long ahead.
So, my husband and I choose to WORK ON our marriage, so our ‘marriage life journey’ can hopefully be a fruitful and pleasant one for both of us, … and for our kids.
And.
Even better, if it can also be a blessing to others whom we meet along the way.
The reality is, marriage is a union of two selfish individuals (who may not always be ‘in love’ every single day of their lives)
The other day btw, an elderly woman shared with us a list of tips on keeping a happy marriage.
I thought of sharing three of them with you 🙂
1. Encourage, praise or say loving words to your spouse, at least once a day
2. If you have made a mistake, be willing to admit and apologise
3. Never scream at each other, unless your house is on fire!
…
While I agree with them all, I must say, agreeing with them does not necessarily make it ‘easy’ for us to do them.
Especially at times of disagreement and conflict.
Because, the reality is, marriage is a union of two selfish individuals (who may not always be ‘in love’ every single day of their lives)
So, to me, if we wish to build and nurture the relationship, then both hubby and wife need to put in a lot of hard work, time and prayer.
Is it hard to do?
Realistically, yes.
Is it impossible?
Definitely no.
Anyway.
I asked my friends on Facebook to add more marriage tips to the list above!
Here are more tips they shared (in no order of priority =)
– Don’t forget to give hug or kiss to our beloved, sometimes people need not only wordings
– Wear family or couple outfits can make us closer
– Don’t dwell in tiny little things. Forget it and move on.
– Kiss and make up before the day is done
– Remember to compliment and complement each other in everything that you do.
– Focus on each other’s strengths while gently alerting each other on your weaknesses.
– Nobody perfect.
– Be a generous forgiver, have a big heart of acceptance, be loyal supporter and genuinely compliment each other
– Serve one another (eg. Cook for your loved one, give a little massage on shoulder)
– Togetherness. Have quality time.
…
I have a few of my own. I’m adding these two to the list 🙂
– Do fun things together, even when it may mean we need to step out of our comfort zone for a while.
– Grow spiritually together. This way, we can remind, rebuke, encourage and pray for one another.
…
Any thoughts to share?
Most welcome to add more to the list too! =)
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– pacaran! i’m doing this once a week, usually on friday.
daftar lainnya pernah aku tulis di sini:
http://www.nuniek.com/post/119394159095/tepat-tiga-tahun-lalu-saya-pernah-menulis-marriage
Ah yes, go out on a date!
But, … not easy nih. As much as I totally agree and support this idea, it’s hard for us to go out, just the two of us. So the ‘dating’ session is mostly at home when kids are asleep =)
And, thanks for sharing the post!