6 Tips for a Healthy Marriage
Today, we wanted to share our top tips for a healthy marriage. With the New Year upon us, many people (whether in a relationship or not) have #relationshipgoals on their mind. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for a successful marriage, there are certain tips and principles that can contribute to a healthy marriage. And by the way, some of these might surprise you and aren’t often what you hear is the norm!
Open Communication for a Strong Marriage
Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. To foster a strong connection, prioritize open and honest communication, even when it’s not easy. As Relationship Expert Marla Mattenson shares, it’s important to open the kimono so to speak and be as honest as possible. When we hold things in, it leads to misunderstandings, resentment and mistrusts. Share your thoughts, feelings, and dreams with your partner, and actively listen to theirs. Effective communication builds trust and understanding, creating a solid foundation for a successful marriage.
Empathy for a Close Relationship
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of your partner. It involves being present, validating their emotions, and showing genuine concern. By cultivating empathy, you create a supportive environment that strengthens emotional bonds and fosters a deeper connection. Note that this doesn’t mean that you need to take on what you partner is feeling. It’s possible to be empathetic but not let their emotions cause you a similar struggle or drain you.
Compromise (But Only Sometimes)
One of the regular tips for a healthy marriage is compromise. However, we disagree. After all, always compromising can lead to resentment if not handled in the right way. Our suggestion is to ask your partner how important something is to them and then get yourself on board with it. That way, you’ve made an active decision to say “yes” to something versus having someone twisting your arm or doing something you don’t want to do.
For example, if your partner says that you going to a friend’s party with them is a 10/10 in terms of level of importance, but you don’t want to go, you can transform your mindset around attending the party because you know that it’s important to them. If it’s a 5/10, then maybe you both realize that it isn’t important for you to go, and you stay home.
Nurture Intimacy for a Healthy Marriage
Physical and emotional intimacy are vital components of a successful marriage. Make time for affection, express love regularly, and prioritize moments of connection. We know that oftentimes, it’s challenging to be intimate with the pressures of the day, so setting aside time for this side of your relationship can work well. Maybe this is through a regular date night each week or a weekend away.
Practice Patience for Your Partner
Understand that both you and your partner are individuals with your own strengths and weaknesses. Be patient with each other’s flaws, and approach challenges with a mindset of growth rather than frustration. Try to put yourself in their shoes as regularly as possible and understand what they’re going through.
Set Shared Goals Between You
Building a future together involves setting shared goals. Whether they are related to career, family, or personal development, having common objectives strengthens the sense of unity in a marriage. As we start the New Year, you can collaborate on creating a vision for your life together and work towards those goals as a team. Even setting aside a few hours to vision can be very powerful. Another tip for a healthy marriage is a check-in exercise at the end of each day. Ask your partner what they’re proud of or what the highlight of their day was.
Prioritize Quality Time
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to neglect quality time with your partner. Make a conscious effort to prioritize moments of connection. Whether it’s a regular date night, a weekend getaway, or simple daily rituals, dedicating time to each other strengthens the foundation of your marriage. We love this episode with Alexi Panos. She vulnerably shares how her marriage almost crumbled (after running multiple businesses, plus having four kids in three years – that’s understandable), and what she and her husband did to transform their marriage and recommit to their relationships.
Journals for a Healthy Marriage
Another fun activity with your partner is journaling. This is a great activity to check-in, utilize prompts and connect in a different way.
Conclusion on Tips for a Healthy Marriage
A healthy marriage is a journey that requires effort, commitment, and continuous growth. By prioritizing effective communication, empathy, compromise, intimacy, patience, shared goals, quality time, trust, and transparency, you can build a resilient and fulfilling partnership. Remember that every marriage is unique, so tailor these tips to fit the dynamics of your relationship. May your journey together be filled with love, understanding, and enduring happiness.
