I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying “happy wife, happy life”, right? Well, in some ways it’s true, but the real truth is that you both have to be happy to have a happy life and marriage is a two way street, just like any relationship that you have. It doesn’t matter if that relationship is between a husband and wife, husband and husband, mother and son or two friends. You both have to participate to make it successful.
Divorce rates aren’t falling, and the first year of marriage is the hardest of them all. I try to give practical advice wrapped in romance by calling the ring box the marriage box, but here is the cold hard truth… the first year of marriage is hard work, and I have some rules that I think will help you out on your journey to make for a happy marriage and a happy life.
What Makes Me an Expert?
That’s a good question! Nothing, actually. I’m just a guy who sells diamonds, custom engagement rings and wedding bands. My job doesn’t end there though. My customers come back for anniversaries, baby push gifts, Valentines, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Arbor Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Groundhog Day and just about any other excuse you can think of there is to buy jewelry that is custom made, but do you really need an excuse?? NO!
Okay, I’m off point. My point is that I’m not an expert, but I do know people and I do know jewelry and I do know marriage, so I do know that I am going to give you my two cents on what makes a happy marriage.
10 Rules For A Happy Marriage
- It’s never about winning. Period. It doesn’t matter whether you are in an argument, playing a board game, out on the golf course or both on a diet. You should encourage each other, motivate each other and support each other and if you need to, step back and allow the other to pull ahead when they need to, because that is what a helpmate does.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate and then communicate some more and always be honest with your significant other when you are communicating.
- Never assume. If you are worried about something, ask questions first before thinking the worst, because it might not be as bad as you thought it was going to be.
- Never underestimate the power of keeping your mouth closed, your ears open and your shoulder handy to lean on.
- Keep the past where it belongs, in the past. Don’t bring it up or mention it once it has been put to bed.
- Put each other first always and when you can’t do that, be sure to at least tell the other that you can’t and why you can’t. Managing expectations is a great way to avoid future arguments and strife!
- Never go to sleep after saying angry words to each other. I would like to say never go to sleep angry, but sometimes that is not possible, so never go to sleep after saying something angry to the other person. Remember, if you can’t say something nice, it’s much better to keep your mouth closed.
- Say I love you when you mean it and not just out of habit. When you are married, you fall into habits, and saying I love you at certain times is one of those habits, so instead say it when your spouse least expects it, that is when it will mean the most to both of you.
- Everyone makes mistakes and the quickest way to make up is to admit you made that mistake and move forward. The best way to make up is with some great make up sex, so, ask for forgiveness easily and quickly, grant forgiveness easily and quickly and forget easily and quickly and enjoy making up slowly and surely.
- Love each other above anything and everyone else. In the end, your children grow up and move out and live on their own, your parents pass on, your friends have their own lives and you two have each other. Remember that and treat each other with respect and kindness always.
