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Don’t take each other for granted
According to an article on AFP Relaxnews, researchers from the University of Georgia found couples who say “thank you”, and express their appreciation more often, remain married, as opposed to couples who don’t.
This isn’t hard to see, really.
Anyone in any kind of relationship or friendship will end up less satisfied or happy with the other party if they find they’re being taken for granted. So promise, or make an effort to take more care and time with one another when you can.
Don’t drag out old issues
Communication is important, and that extends to when you’re arguing, too.
Contributing Editor Steve Thio advises couples should never go to bed while remaining angry with one another. Instead, try and settle the issue at hand before bedtime, and leave it once you’ve communicated your differences or grievances.
Never let it fester and/or bring it up during your next argument.
Be kind, be polite
It may be obvious, but never throw insults, sarcasm, condescending words (or eye-rolling for that matter). Ever.
Image: 123rf/ imtmphoto
Don’t complain about one another
If you’ve got issues, talk it about between the both of you. Don’t involve others in your marriage by complaining about your spouse.
Don’t compare
You’ve chosen each other as your life partner, and should accept and love him or her for who he or she is.
Comparing will only hurt your relationship, and honestly, it’s unrealistic and unfair to your partner.
See also: 10 SMALL THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR MARRIAGE
Don’t have unrealistic expectations
Whether these stemmed from before or after the marriage, you should discuss things with your partner.
Unrealistic or high expectations can lead to feelings of frustration, and eventually, a distant relationship.
Arguments usually happen when your expectations don’t match one another’s, as you don’t see where the other party is coming from.
Remember: no one is perfect. Instead, step back, and try to see things from your partner’s shoes.
Have a bigger wedding
While we advocate couples spending within their means, researchers Galena K. Rhoads and Scott M. Stanley stated via The Daily Signal, that couples “who had a formal wedding and those who had more guests at their wedding reported happier and stable marriages”.
Both attributed this to symbolic commitment to a larger group of people, and community support.