5 Steps for a Happy Lasting Marriage

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Have you ever seen a loving, elderly couple holding hands and wondered would it would be like to grow old with someone? Imagine being in a relationship where you love someone unconditionally and take care of each other for better and for worst. It’s not impossible. It takes discipline, commitment, openness, honesty and forgiveness among other things. Here are five steps for a happy, lasting marriage. No one is born with an automatic setting to find the right one to marry and live happily ever after. Just as we have to learn how to respect others as we grow up, we must also learn what it takes to have an almost perfect marriage so we are prepared when the time comes. If you are already married, the fact that you are reading this means is not too late for you and your spouse to learn and grow.

Trust

Trust is complicated, because you can’t buy it with gifts: it must be earned. Many couples no longer have trust in each other because one of the spouses lied and lost that privilege. What about infidelity? Would you trust someone who betrayed you? When you go to your spouse and ask for forgiveness, you can begin again.

Our reactions to our partners have a huge impact on our relationships. How do you respond when your spouse comes home late? Do you feel angry or worried? If you feel agitated every time your partner walks through the door, there’s going to be trouble. Make sure you’re not becoming the “over obnoxious spouse” though. Don’t ask for videos and recordings so you know they are where they say they are or doing what they said they would do.

Respect

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A happy marriage requires respect. You should respect your spouse in your speaking, especially in front of other people. When you show respect for your spouse in front of others, they will also respect him or her. Some people have difficulty understanding this. These people will share private details about their relationship with their friends whenever they’re angry with their spouse. In moments of frustration, they may say things like “that idiot” or “that selfish woman.” However, when the anger passes and the misunderstanding is cleared up, the person you talked to about your problems continues to feel resentment towards your spouse. See what I’m saying? Do you want others to feel that way towards your spouse?

Faith

Many assume that people gravitate to those who share the same faith or religious backgrounds. However, that’s not always the case. Some couples tie the knot without ever discussing their religious beliefs. Some modern Christian couples take for granted that their boyfriend or girlfriend is Christian, just because they were raised in a Christian church.

Faith is such an important part of your relationship. Does your spouse or future spouse like to pray, read the Bible or go to church? Did you ever pray together before you got married? Do you agree with your spouse parent’s religious views? The Bible warns Christians “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). This Bible verse doesn’t apply only to marriage but to all relationships.

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