3 Tips For Obtaining A Strong Marriage

Your marriage can bless your life more than any other relationship; but it can also be the reason for much stress. In fact, marital distress, such as divorce, is one of the biggest stressors in a person's life. This is why it is important that you learn now how to have a happy marriage. Here are 3 tips for a strong in a marriage.

1. Don't Expect Change

When you say "I Do" it is important that you are saying those words with no conditions. You are not saying "you must change." Instead, it is important to love the person as they are without expecting them to change. You cannot enter a marriage hoping that the partner will change over time. This will only bring disappointment. Instead, love the person as they are, then if they do improve, great! If not, you are not disappointed.

Realize that in a marriage you can only control your behavior, not your spouses. If you are unhappy, it is important to try and look at the things that you can do to change the situation. Marriage is about compromise. If you only focus on what you want the other person to change, it will make you both miserable.

2. Emotional Honesty Counts

Every couple has said the phrase "I'm fine" even when they are not. This can be dangerous to a marriage. It is important that you are honest with your spouse in a way that perhaps you cannot be with other people. Avoiding a problem, or bottling it up, can be very dangerous. Instead, let your spouse know if you are unhappy or have a problem.

This doesn't mean that you should fight often and constantly tell each other what is bothering you. Learn to pick your battles and how to communicate in a non-accusing, non-defensive way. The more you can openly talk with your spouse about your needs, the happier both of you will be. If it's necessary, don't be afraid to go to counseling with your spouse at a center like Life Begins Here Inc to learn good communication skills and emotional honesty.

3. Keep Friendships Strong

Just because you are married doesn't mean that you no longer need friends. If you become isolated in your marriage you might start to expect things from your spouse that they are not able to give. Instead, don't be afraid to have a girl's night or watch a game with the guys. These kinds of activities can help you to feel connected to others and rejuvenate your ability to work out problems with your spouse.

By doing these simple things you can be on your way to happier marriage.