What an excellent question! I have only been married for a year, but I feel like you do. My husband and I have DEFINATELY had our share of ups and downs, but I feel like everytime we do make it through those hard times, it brings us closer together. I feel like my husband and I have an extremely healthy relationship. I think a lot of times it takes great role models to help a marriage last. My parents are still married (25 years), my husband's parents are still married (30 years), and all 4 sets of our grandparents are still married (50+years). So, hubby and I are extremely fortunate to have these "role model" marriages in our lives to look up to. Whenever we need marriage advice we always go to our parents and grandparents. One of the things that BOTH of them have stressed is that a marriage is a "team," a "partnership." No longer are you two separate people...you are now ONE and each of you has to work everyday to make your team stronger and better. Our parents and grandparents told us that we should wake up every single day and the first thing we should say to ourselves is, "What can I do today to make this marriage better?" Not what can MY SPOUSE do to make this better, but what can I do.
Sorry so long...I just feel so fortunate to have all parents and grandparents on both sides who are still married and felt like their advice would be nice to share. |