A Fulfilling Marriage
Everyone wants a marriage that’s loving and fulfilling, right? But how do you keep your marriage exciting and meaningful once the honeymoon has worn off? The secret is to invest the same commitment and energy in your marriage or relationship as you do in your own personal development. As you and your partner grow and change, so must your marriage/relationship adapt with you.
Here are four ways to keep your marriage as fulfilling as when you first wed, if not more!!!
Manage your expectations
The primary responsibility for your happiness lies with you, not your partner. Neither of you should expect the other to make you happy. Expecting someone else to be responsible for your happiness is unfair, and a recipe for disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Yes, you certainly contribute to each other’s happiness, but that should be the end of your expectations.
Count to ten
I know it sounds silly, but what they say about counting to ten before you say something is true, especially if you’re upset. It’s easy to react with blame and anger if your partner does something to hurt you. But take a moment to cut them some slack. It’s unlikely they did it on purpose or with malice. It’s much more likely that it was a mistake, or they acted without thinking. You have a choice about how to react and whether it makes things better or worse. Think about what the result of your action will be and if that’s what you really want.
Mind your business first
Remember that proverb about the pot calling the kettle black? Your relationship with each other will stay in much better shape if you remember your own flaws before you think of pointing to your partner’s. That can be hard to keep in mind when the “honeymoon phase” of your marriage has rubbed off, and you no longer see each other through rose-tinted glasses.
An adult relationship accepts the other person, flaws and all. Imperfection is part of being human. Next time you notice some aspect of your partner’s behavior or character that you don’t like, take a moment to weigh it against all the things you do like and love about them. How important is it, in the bigger scheme of things, if they leave their socks on the living room floor? Does it really matter if they have to be reminded to take out the trash, if it gets done? Don’t get me wrong both those examples would annoy me, I’m just saying think about if it’s worth disturbing the otherwise nice evening that two of you may be having.
Stay connected
An essential part of a fulfilling marriage/relationship is being interested and curious about the other person. Make time to sit down and really talk, not just about everyday things but things that really matter. Provide a safe and welcoming space so they feel comfortable sharing with you. Ask questions, and really listen to the answers. Show genuine interest in your partner and the future you share together.
