We aren’t claiming to be marriage experts, but we have witnessed a whole lot of weddings, and thus have some insight into marriage itself. Do you know that unsolicited advice you always seem to get from well-meaning family members? Here’s an exclusive list of some of the best of it.
Like vs. Love
When the honeymoon phase is over, you’ll start to realize something; you have moments of dislike for your significant other. This is NORMAL! The idea is that you love them despite not always “liking” them. This sounds harsh, but it’s a reality some couples struggle with. There’s just no realistic way you are going to like everything about your spouse at every moment of every day. They’re going to leave the sticky spoon on the coffee maker or give you an attitude and an eye roll over something small that might drive you a little bonkers. At the end of the day, though, there’s nothing but love. It’s unconditional. It’s knowing the difference between liking their every move and accepting it even if you don’t like it.
You are who you surround yourself with
This doesn’t have anything to do with who you choose as your spouse. It has everything to do with who you and your spouse hang out with. Always remember to surround yourself with couples who won’t drag you down. You want positive energy, healthy marriages, and people who lift you up and help you be the best couple you can be.
Prioritize each other
It’s so very easy to let life get in the way and to have nothing left for your partner when you get home at the end of the day. Remember to save your energy for them. Don’t let other people drain you and check out when you’re with your spouse. You’re a team, and you need to communicate and make sure your main priority is your spouse and the relationship between you and them. Of course, date nights help ;)
Quick to apologize, quick to forgive
We are human, and we make mistakes. Sometimes apologizing is all we can do, and it makes things worse when one has too much pride to do so. If you are in the wrong, admit it to your spouse. And if your spouse is brave enough to offer an apology, be courteous and accept it. Forgiveness makes the world go round.
Be strong for each other
A marriage doesn’t always consist of two strong people. Sometimes you’ll need to hold each other up. Especially during wedding planning and even on the wedding day! Usually, you’ll alternate who the muscles in the relationship are. That’s okay! It’s honestly one of the reasons you decided to do this forever. You will balance each other out. It’s okay to be weak sometimes and use your spouse to lean on. Just make sure you offer the same support in their weak moments.
Answer their calls
Always make sure your spouse’s call is a priority to you. This goes along with making time for them, but it should be noted that they should always feel like they can call you whenever they need to, for whatever they need to. You are their “person”. Nothing you’re doing could be more important than them.
