Earlier this year my husband and I celebrated 12 years of marriage. Sometimes it is hard to remember what life was like before him. Marriage has not always been easy. Two different people from two different upbringings can prove quite the challenge when trying to make one life together. Add 3 kids to the mix and I am sure all of you know exactly what I am talking about.
One of the things I am most grateful for was my dad teaching me that love was not always about how you feel but was often a choice to keep moving forward to work it out. I am fortunate that I married a good man who is humble enough to admit sometimes we need a 3rd party to help us work it out and 12 years in I am happy to say we still like AND love each other.
7 Signs You Are In A Strong Marriage
- Always on my mind
Many different studies found that partners, who think about each other in the wake of an absence, tend to be more in love with one another. Particularly if they struggle to concentrate on other tasks at hand. Be it a night out with friends or a work trip away, if you are missing your other half, you’re on to a winner.
- Do your own thing
Spending time apart from your partner not only creates absence to make a heart grow fonder; it also alleviates the pressure from your partner to fulfil your every need in life. Go out with mates, explore on your own, take the kids to a water park. Find other outlets with other people or on your own to fulfil the desires you have to make you feel complete.
- Mix it up
A sure fire way to strengthen a bond is to try new things and exciting things together. While it’s great to have a scheduled dinner date every fortnight, science says you need to get out there and be adventurous. Exploring new things together increases the quality of your relationship and brings more satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Celebrate each other
When your partner has achieved something or has had a success, your reaction to their good news says more about your relationship than reacting to bad news. Connecting with your loved one is to have a genuine elation for their good fortune as though it were your own.
- You’re a team
The Hollywood concept of cutesy coupling names (think Brangelina) may have more substance than meets the eye. The idea that couples tackle things as a team, suggests a very strong relationship. Just as you share good news together, you combat challenges, solve problems, devise plans and always work together for a greater goal.
- Have a laugh
One of my favourite sounds is the sound of my husband laughing hysterically. Turns out, that’s the science of love. Having your own ‘in jokes’ and a bunch of silly things that only the two of you understand is a wonderful sign that you have a strong connection. While there isn’t much proof in having many things in common leads to a great relationship, having a similar sense of humour certainly counts for a lot.
- You fight fair
It would be foolish to think that a great marriage is one without fights. It’s how you fight and resolve the issues that set apart the good, the bad and the ugly. Healthy relationships will encounter challenges and differences. Understanding the viewpoint of your other half then resolving the issue with compromise is the key to success.
