Four Easy to Follow Marriage Tips to Happily-Ever-After
As I write today I’ve been married for over 37 years. Have all of the years been blissful? Noooooo. They haven’t. But would I do it again? Yessssss. Some days I sit back and think, How in the world did I get so lucky? And other days, Geez this is hard! Do you have alternating days like this too? Embrace them all. It’s what makes marriage strong.
On the bad days…
Know they will pass and take all the energy you can muster and focus on what’s good.
On the good days…
Enjoy and enjoy and take in all the amazing and magical things about love and marriage.
Imagine with me a giant tree which has been growing for years with thick grounded roots. Marriage is like an oak tree, the stronger the roots, the stronger the tree. Every marriage has struggle and disappointment. Working through those struggles with grit and determination and perseverance will prepare the foundation for bliss and passion.
4 Easy Marriage Principles to Go the Distance
Commitment
If a marriage is going to last we need a commitment that says, no matter what! I’m sticking it out. There will be hard and difficult times, and times where you’d like to run, but we need to understand that this is part of marriage. It’s unusual to hear from a couple who’ve been married for any significant amount of time who doesn’t say they’ve worked through tough times. We need to hang on to our marriage commitment the way a Pitbull dog hangs on to a chicken leg. Marriage is a sacred commitment, and not having unaltered commitment will turn it into chop suey. (You may like chop suey, as do I, but for this illustration think mushy, messy, flop.) When we are completely committed to our marriage vows, and we know our spouse is as well, we can give it our all and love all out. And God will honor this type of marriage, and you will see abundance in your life.
Honesty
We need to be honest with our spouse and be honest with ourselves. This means being you in the relationship. Don’t be a version of you that you think they want. Be you. Honesty in a relationship will reinforce trust. Side note: Be honest, but not too honest! Some thoughts should stay in your head, if you know what I mean. *raised eyebrow, head stilt
Other Centeredness
The best marriages are those where each partner is in competition to raise up the other. It’s not, I hope he empties the dish washer. It’s I want to empty it before he does. It’s not, why hasn’t she made our bed? It’s I’m going to make the bed before she can get to it. It’s not, why hasn’t he complimented my haircut or dress? It’s how can I praise him today? It’s not, why hasn’t she noticed all the work I did around here? It’s letting her know how beautiful she looks today. A daily question is, How can I bless them today.
“Fun”
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
What does this mean? It means have FUN. Having fun with your spouse will result in an unbreakable bond.
I’m praying you have more and more good days as you work out your happily-ever-after.
Fondly,
Lu
For more marriage tips order a copy of “The Intimacy You Crave: Straight Talk about Sex and Pancakes” or “From Me to We” by Lucille Williams. Get weekly updates and SUBSCRIBE to LuSays today.
