Saying your vows around the sacred fire on the day of your wedding is one thing but actually putting such vows into practice every day is something else. And it’s anything but easy. Newlyweds need to be mentally prepared for days of sunshine and for the rainy days that lie ahead. But as with most situations in life, there are many things you can do every day to keep your marriage strong. Here are our top 10:
1. Use arguments wisely
Know which arguments need to be sorted out and which you need to walk away from. Don’t fear the words ‘argument’ or ‘fight’ because both can be very constructive if done right and you both may actually find a long lasting solution to the problem at hand.
2. Know you are a team
There is no ‘me’ in a marriage, there is only ‘us’. This means that you both are a team in front of the parents, in laws, kids and the rest of the world.
3. Keep the flame of love going
Don’t be surprised if the romance fizzes out just one year into wedlock. It happens and it’s part of the adjustment process. But you can keep the flame of love alive by surprising your partner every now and then in a nice way. It could be a book, a new shirt, a favourite dish made from scratch or even a bar of chocolate to share.
4. Express your feelings
Never underestimate the power of a hug, a kiss or holding hands. It’s been scientifically proven that gestures speak much louder than words ever can.
5. Never speak behind her/his back
Do not talk badly about your partner behind his or her back. Imagine how hurt you would feel if you came to know that your partner had made a comment about you to his mom or dad. Nasty comments and complaints have no place in a marriage.
6. Talk about things that upset you
Never go to bed angry. You both will wake up angry the next day and instead of beginning your day on a good note, you both are likely to have a bad day instead.
7. Spend quality time with each other
Make time for each other every day. You don’t need to spend one hour talking together as a fixed rule but even giving your spouse just 10 minutes of your time every day uninterruptedly, can cement your bond together. When you give your spouse undivided attention, it shows you respect and love him.
8. Work together
Find a hobby or two to do together. Catch up on a movie over the weekend, spend some time trying a new recipe in the kitchen, plan a weekend getaway, join a salsa class and if possible, do some charity work together. There are so many ways to bond with your loved one.
9. Laugh a lot
Humour is important in a marriage because there will be plenty of instances where one of you does something to crack the other one up. But you’re likely to enjoy such marital situations only when your ego doesn’t get in the way.
10. Keep those gadgets away
Minimise the use of gadgets when you both are together. You probably don’t realise it but chances are that you have a better relationship in terms of communication with your pals on social media than with your spouse at home. Keep the phone and tab away once you’re back from work.
Photos courtesy PhotoAlchemy