Although most people get married with the intention of making it last forever, very rarely do marriages stand the test of time. Many couples tend to lose the spark they once had within the first decade, and in some cases, even within the first year.
So, what are the ingredients that make a successful marriage that lasts forever? The truth is that even the best relationships require a considerable amount of work. When you see a happy couple that has been together for decades and decades, they didn’t get there by accident.
Marriage requires constant consideration, attention, and hard work. However, if you genuinely love someone, then working on your relationship shouldn’t really feel like work.
If you’re interested in finding out how the relationships that have stood the test of time have managed to make it happen, then look no further than these tips.
Intimacy
Intimacy doesn’t mean just having a sexual relationship with your spouse. Intimacy means physical closeness, emotional, and intellectual. In a marriage, real intimacy involves being vulnerable, open, and willing to give yourself to someone completely.
However, sex is an important part of intimacy. Sexual satisfaction is a necessary instinct that needs to be fulfilled in marriage to stand the test of time. An absence of intimacy will often result in growing apart as a couple and in some cases, turning to other places to fulfill the lack of intimacy.
Compromise
Relationships are not just about giving or taking; they are a balance of both. If this give and take in your relationship isn’t balanced, it’s easy to start to feel resentful, angry, and spiteful.
The truth is that love isn’t enough to make a relationship last. It’s being willing to bend what you want in order to make your partner happy, and vice versa. However, be careful not to bend too much, or you could lose your sense of self.
Communication
Relationships will start to die in the absence of communication. It’s critical to keep the discussion going. Honest and open communication is the only way to make sure that everyone’s needs are being met.
When you communicate with your partner, it should be calm yet direct. Respect is critical if you hope to get your point across.
Patience
Some couples put up a fight about every little thing which can get downright exhausting. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and choose your battles carefully. Do you really want to fight about every little thing that comes up throughout the day?
Be willing to shut your mouth and let things go once in a while. Save your battles for matters which are truly important. Otherwise, you’ll burn out after a short time.
