Is there such a thing as a happy, lifelong marriage anymore? How you keep a marriage happy relies so much on give and take.
The problem is that these days, there's too much 'take,' and not enough 'give.
' Personal fulfillment seems to be the name of the game and if someone's in the way, well, I'm afraid that's just too bad.
As long as 'I' have what 'I' want, that's all that counts.
I know this sounds corny, but I can see the autumn leaves blowing and swirling outside as I write this.
They're just like marriages that have withered and are simply blowing away.
The traditional ideas of honour, commitment, duty and responsibility seem difficult to find anymore.
Spouses regularly trade each other in for a newer, 'better' model in their frenetic search for happiness.
And yet, if you hear a son or daughter introducing their parents to their friends, you'll quite likely hear them say; "Oh, Mum and Dad have been married for over forty years.
" What they don't say, but feel in their hearts, is that their parent's marriage has been the one constant, the rock to which they've been able to cling in times of misery and their own relationship problems.
So they voice the 'married for forty years' bit with pride in their voice.
A touch of envy, while their eyes shine with admiration.
So here are 4 tips on how to keep a marriage happy that I hope will help you.
1.
Ditch The 'I.
' To be legalistic about this, marriage is a bi-lateral contract.
That means it's entered into by two people.
That means you change the 'I' to 'We.
' You and your spouse become one unit.
'We' means give and take.
If you make the effort to give more than you take, you're halfway home.
2.
Marriage Is Good For Your Health.
Although by modern standards, marriage may seem as old fashioned as quill pens, it's been proved in any number of research studies that people who remain married to one person are happier and live longer.
How do you know who's perfect for you? There's no such person as the perfect partner, but give yourselves time together before tying the knot.
3.
Oh, I'm Sorry! If you're wrong, have the guts to admit it.
Look, you're bound to quarrel, even row.
Of course you are.
But don't prolong a fight, knowing in your heart that you're wrong, and not admitting it.
Marriage, like old age, isn't for sissies! You should be a mature grown-up to marry.
So, if you've made a mistake, admit it.
Then the making up's wonderful! 4.
Just Do It! Jane, do your best to keep the house nice and clean.
John, help her.
In a good marriage, there's no such thing as; 'Oh, that's a woman's job.
' If the dishwasher needs stacking, and Jane's busy, then John, you do it.
This is how the one can give to the other.
Selflessness in a marriage is the tie that binds