Compromise goes a long way in marriage
Will you soon be a newlywed? As we can see from the wedding announcements in the newspaper, June is a very popular month for marriage.
New challenges lie ahead and some of the following suggestions might be helpful.
• Both husband and wife should recognize that healthy, happy marriages require dedication and commitment. Priories may need to change so that instead of it being all “mine” and “yours”, the new relationship includes the important cornerstone of “ours.” This does not mean that the couple has to be joined at the hip because healthy marriages have autonomy built into the relationship. Strive to make your spouse feel that he/she is the most special and important thing in your life.
• Remember that healthy relationships include flexibility. As your marriage grows, you will need to continue trying to understand your spouse’s point of view.
• Seek ways to keep the romance alive. Try to be as attentive and caring as you were when you were dating. Practice good communication skills by setting aside time to really talk and listen to each other. Try not to judge, criticize, or blame each other. You’re both human and no one is perfect.
• Learn to disagree in an agreeable manner. Sometimes the solution to differences is simply to agree that you can disagree on some things.
• Make the physical and passionate aspects of the relationship fun and satisfying for both partners. Remember that sexual appetites differ and couples that put their spouse's feelings ahead of their own can generally work out many of the challenges in their sex life.
• Work hard at maintaining a sense of humor when things don’t seem to be going well. A little levity goes a long ways in easing the stresses and strains of a relationship.
• Ground your marriage in faith and spirituality. If possible, give your marriage a few years to strengthen and develop before starting a family.
• Feeling good about yourself goes a long way in enabling you to feel good about someone else. If your self-esteem is lagging and in need of repair, consider getting some professional help.
