Emmanuel Abimbola
1. Communication is key
Communication is the foundation of any relationship.
The quality of communication between the couple will determine the overall integrity of the relationship. This is why it is advisable to have healthy communication.
Healthy communication is godly, kind, and always has a loving tone. When you have healthy communication with your spouse, they will always feel loved. Healthy communication also helps to neutralize any quarrels and arguments. It reflects in the tone and choice of words you use to tell your spouse you disapprove of their actions or bad attitudes, but not of who they are. Healthy communication is devoid of hate and aggression, no matter how hurt or angry you are.
Clear communication is also vital in keeping a happy marriage. Clear communication helps your spouse understand what you stand for and what you truly want. It is of utmost importance that you communicate your opinions or counter opinions to your spouse in a way they would clearly understand. Avoid speaking in parables during arguments or misunderstandings, and do not use words that will keep them guessing or misinterpreting your point.
2. Be supportive of your spouse
You are supposed to be your spouse’s best friend. This position in their life is reserved strictly for you and you alone. As men, you should be the shoulder she can lean on, and wives should be the woman supporting their husband’s success.
Always support each other’s dreams and ambitions, even if you do not share the same passion. As long as it is a God-honoring goal that makes your spouse happy, you must be their cheerleader till they achieve success. If your spouse is happy, you will be too. It’s a win-win.
Also, support your spouse when going through a difficult phase or a transformation. You must always give them your support as it shows how much you love them and care about them. And as a Christian, it is also necessary to give your spouse spiritual support; pray for them, study the Bible with them, and encourage them with the Word of God when they are feeling down.
3.Learn to compromise
Quite frankly, marriage is all about compromise, and a lot of it.
If you cannot compromise with your spouse, you will always be at loggerheads and soon get fed up with each other. Compromise is never a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a sign of maturity and the determination to make the relationship work.
During arguments or discussions, remember that your spouse is a rational being and has his/her own opinions. Your partner’s opinion might not bode well with you all the time, but it wouldn’t hurt to let them have things their way once in a while. This way, if things do not turn out well, they would learn to listen and be more open to your thoughts next time.
4. Be spontaneous in your marriage
Now that you are married to the man or woman of your dreams, you have a very long journey ahead of you.
This is the person you will spend so many years with, both day and night. Things can get boring quickly between you two if you do not step up your game, and this is where spontaneity comes in. Try to be spontaneous in every aspect of your relationship. Spice things up in your love life and spiritual life. Live like the good old times when you started dating; go on dates, give your partner a surprise, and do other things that will rekindle the flame of love in your marriage.
Doing the same things over and over makes you so predictable. You must make time out of your busy schedules to think and plan surprise romantic events or trips with your spouse. Men, take the time to find out a particular piece of clothing or home decor item she constantly talks about and get it for her as a surprise gift. Ladies, something as simple as surprising your husband with a fresh pot of coffee before he heads off for a long workday can do wonders.
These gestures will keep your love stronger. It will sustain your relationship and make your marriage a happy one through the years. Marriage should be eventful, mutually progressive, and fun. A happy, content marriage does not happen by chance. You both have a role to play to make it happen.
