I would never claim to be an expert at marriage, considering I’ve been married less than two years at this point. That is exactly why I believe that there is wisdom in a multitude of counsel. It is so important that we look to the marriages that have developed well over the generations and seek their guidance. So that is the task I took on for this particular article.
I had the sheer pleasure of speaking with 5 different couples, of varying ages and marriage lengths, to discuss their number one best piece of advice for a successful marriage. Here is what they said!
Secrets To A Successful Marriage
K & L, married 3 years
“It was so easy to always focus on how he was treating me (is he showing me affection, buying me gifts, planning dates, encouraging me, etc) but instead I realized I need to think, how am I treating him? Am I respecting him in how I talk, am I surprising him with a gift? Making our focus go to our partner instead of ourselves is such a big lesson.”
R & C, married 27 years
“As life ‘deals’ you cards, find a way to come around so that the two of you are on the same page. This will build the trust and confidence throughout the relationship.” “One glass of wine every night at 7 with at least a half hour of interaction as a couple, actually speaking and listening to each other.”
L & L, married 8 years
“Let your spouse finish their thought. Never stop listening or cut them off just because you think you know what they’ll say. The strange ability that couples have, to know each other better than anyone combined with their absolute inability to know each other can be so funny. No matter how long you’ve known each other, to actually know each other, you have to listen.”
C & R, married 30 years
“Forgive! Keep communicating and communicating and communicating. But make sure you are communicating forgiveness.”
P & J, married 49 years
“A good marriage is based on love, trust and respect. We are the best of friends… It takes a lot of hard work but is definitely worth the effort. We don’t always agree on everything but we work it out together.”
I know as a newly wed that each piece of advice here is pure gold for me. It has helped to not only replenish my relationship, but to strengthen it as well. I truly love that there are people placed around us that have grown in their experiences and therefore can speak great words into our lives and marriages. I treasure those trinkets of counsel and hope they speak into your heart as well!
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