7 Marriage Tips that seem to work

This weekend I am celebrating Mother’s Day and my wedding anniversary. Two amazing reasons to celebrate!

This is also the first Saturday of the month where I share Cozy Living tips and inspiration. I couldn’t think of a better reason than having an amazing family and a good man to create a cozy home for, can you? All the links to other cozy living tips will be at the end of this post.

I have been married for 23 years, and although I am not claiming to be the leading authority on marriage, I do know the marriage tips that seem to work in my own marriage. Full disclosure, marriage is not always easy but it is truly one of the best gifts that I could have ever received. I feel blessed to look forward to a lifetime of love. Although I got married in my mid 30’s, I always tell my husband I wish I knew him forever.

7 Marriage Tips that seem to work

I know every person, every relationship, and every marriage is different. These tips are just some of what works for us. Are you a romantic at heart? Don’t miss my love story…and a table.

Grow your relationship by loving yourself first

This is so important in just about every facet of our life. A lot of times, how we feel about ourselves determines how we will treat and care for others. Your spouse, kids, and those around you will reap the benefits of a happier, more content person.  Chances are, if you are not mentally or physically content or satisfied, then your marriage may encounter problems. Make sure you are continuing to grow individually and as a partner.

Appreciate your differences

Although we are compatible in many ways, we also have some key differences in our personalities and style. Rather than seeing the differences as a negative factor, we look at our differences with appreciation and respect. If you apply the golden rule, treat your spouse the way you want to be treated it will only create a stronger bond in your relationship.

Date each other

Although we don’t go out together as often as I would like, this tip is so important. Often times you hear how “things” change once you get married but the reality is it doesn’t have to change unless you make it change. Keep the romance going. I know dating isn’t like it was before we got married, but we can certainly try.

Make time for each other

Throughout the week my husband and I try to carve out special times for each other. This is especially important if we don’t have regular date nights. Generally will walk and get caught up on kid stuff, work, household stuff, or just talk.  Our favorite time together is Saturday mornings when we will drink our tea together ….and I talk about all the projects that I want and need him to do.  What’s important is just to find what works for your schedule, whether it’s 5 mins or 30 mins…. and do it. A successful marriage is one that has a mix of individual, family, and couple time. 

Complement each other

I’ll have an ole teeshirt on, hair piled on top of my head and all sweaty and gross, and my husband will tell me how beautiful I am.  Complements are key, and a sign of your spouse’s acknowledgment, respect, and appreciation for you and what you are doing. My goal is to always compliment my husband, oftentimes it’s as simple as saying “thanks for being a great husband”, “you are the best dad ever” or “thanks for unloading the dishwasher” (wink, wink).

Treat the relationship with your spouse as the most important thing in your life

Nothing is more important in my marriage (along with our faith) than the relationship I have with my husband. When you stack our careers, children, finances, and the issues that come up in life, I can with certainty say that we overcome adversity because of the strength, commitment, and understanding in our relationship and our ability to work through it together.

Marriage takes work …and it’s not always easy and blissful

The work is certainly worth it. Before I said ‘I do’ I never would have thought that marriage would require such care and work….but it does. That’s okay because I am prepared and ready and have a spouse that is just as committed as I am. As long as we both understand that the most important thing we can do in our marriage is to work on it,  then we will be okay……. for a lifetime. 

I hope my 7 marriage tips will serve as a reminder of how important your relationship is and what a blessing it is to have a lifetime of love.

Cheers to your happily ever after…. and Happy Mothers Day. Enjoy the weekend.

Big hugs,

Victorian Cottages / Chocolate Orange Banana Muffins / Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

 

Marriage Tips / Old-Fashioned Summer Treat