Many couples say that the best part about being with a partner is the honeymoon period that lasts for a few months just after marriage. On the other hand, if you have to ask married veterans which is their favourite part about married life; they are likely to say that it’s the journey itself that they love the most. Marriage as an institution has undergone a huge change over the past 50 years. Traditionally, women were told that the kind of husband they got depended entirely on their luck and fate. These days, modern women believe that they ought to make their own luck without waiting for the stars to do the needful for them.
Image courtesy Dream Catchers Photography
If the numbers are to be believed, there are approximately 13 divorces taking place for every 1000 marriages in India today and the number of broken marriages are only growing. Most of us take a look at older couples and wonder what makes them tick even today. The truth is, that if you really want to have a successful marriage, it’s possible. Here are a few tips to help you get there:
Rule number one is that a successful marriage takes hard work. And plenty of hard work. You don’t think twice about working hard at your job in order to get a promotion, so why shouldn’t you apply that same rule to your married life too? Just like there are rules at your workplace to be followed, you need to make a set of rules to follow at home too. And just like you would negotiate with your boss or talk about something you don’t approve of at work, you shouldn’t hesitate to do the same with your spouse either.
Image courtesy Dream Catchers Photography
Rule number two is that if you enter a marriage with the steadfast thought that you absolutely must get your way for everything, then you’re heading for disaster. The two of you should give each other enough of emotional space to vent and also have the maturity to understand that even if either one of you needs to let off steam, it doesn’t mean that the marriage itself has come to an end. Keeping any argument healthy without getting personal or without pointing fingers at your spouse’s character takes plenty of practice. Quitting should never be an option.
Image courtesy Dream Catchers Photography
Rule number three is to work on romance. So, you don’t think of yourself as romantic person and that’s why you don’t understand what the fuss is all about. Studies show that couples who make time for each other and who show that they care in small ways are the ones who have a successful marriage. No, you don’t need to write him a poem every day but you can surprise him by cooking his favourite dishes for dinner. Or getting him that book he’s been wanting to buy for ages. Or even booking a weekend getaway just for the two of you. Your options are endless.
Image courtesy Hariom Digital Photography
Patience, maturity, communication and commitment with huge dollops of love work as the glue that binds marriages together. And yes, if you choose, your marriage can last for a lifetime.
Main Image courtesy Hariom Digital Photography
