12 Best Advice for Married Couples: Keys to a Lasting and Happy Marriage

Introduction

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it can also be challenging at times. Every couple faces ups and downs, and navigating through them requires effort, understanding, and commitment. Fortunately, there are couples who have been together for 25 years or more, and they have valuable insights to share. In this article, we will explore the best advice from experienced couples who have built strong and lasting marriages. These advices are based on their own experiences and have stood the test of time. Whether you are newlyweds or have been married for years, these tips can help you improve your relationship and create a happier and more fulfilling marriage.

1^st Advice for Married Couples: Acceptance and Allowance

One of the fundamental lessons in a successful marriage is acceptance and allowance. Lynne, who has been married for 31 years, shares her mantra: “You knew who your partner was when you got married, and you can’t change them.” It’s common to have aspects of our partner that we wish were different, but dwelling on them is a waste of time. Lynne learned to accept her husband for who he is and allow him to be himself. This doesn’t mean they can’t voice concerns or get upset, but they are committed unconditionally to each other, even when they drive each other crazy.

2^nd Advice for Married Couples: Imagining Life Without Your Partner

Jerry, who has been married for 30 years, emphasizes the importance of imagining life without your partner. While they both agree that they would be fine on their own, they acknowledge that life without each other would be terrible. This exercise reminds them of how much they value their relationship and the joy and special moments they share. It’s a powerful reminder of the significance their partner brings to their life.

3^rd Advice for Married Couples: Embrace Humor and Laughter

Humor and laughter are crucial elements in a long-lasting marriage. David, married for 30 years, shares that their sense of humor has become more juvenile over time. Instead of succumbing to societal pressure to become more dignified with age, they continue to laugh at each other’s jokes and enjoy raunchy movies. Their ability to find joy and laughter in each other has helped them stay in love and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

4^th Advice for Married Couples: Avoid Stubbornness

Claude, who has been married for 33 years, advises against being stubborn and always needing to have the last word. It’s important to recognize that what may seem like a fundamental principle to you might just be a personal preference. Being open to the possibility of compromise and avoiding spats or grudges is key. Instead of criticizing or guilting each other, they engage in constructive conversations about specific behaviors that may be troubling. Trust and mutual respect are prioritized over winning an argument.

5^th Advice for Married Couples: Embrace Differences and Communication

No two individuals will always agree on everything, and that’s perfectly okay. Steve, married for 26 years, emphasizes the importance of patience and communication in a long-term relationship. Being open to listening and understanding each other’s perspectives is crucial. Making time for each other, even in the midst of busy lives, helps maintain a strong bond. Whether it’s taking a walk together or planning a weekend getaway, nurturing the relationship should be a priority.

6^th Advice for Married Couples: Take Time Before Responding

Romy, married for 26 years, suggests biting your tongue for at least 24-48 hours before responding during times of tension. This allows for emotional cooling off and reflection on the situation with greater clarity. If you still want to discuss the matter, schedule a mutually agreed-upon time to do so. Taking a step back and giving yourself space before engaging in a conversation can lead to more productive and thoughtful communication.

7^th Advice for Married Couples: Understanding Personalities and Adventure

Kathleen, married for 31 years, compares marriage to going to a theme park. It’s essential to know yourself and what kind of “ride” you want in a relationship. If you value stability and serenity, marry someone who shares those desires. On the other hand, if you crave adventure and risk, find a partner who embraces those qualities. Running the marriage like a well-managed company by identifying each person’s strengths and weaknesses and delegating responsibilities accordingly is a key aspect of their successful marriage.

Suggestion for read: How 2 Imperfect People Create Perfect Love

8^th Advice for Married Couples: Putting in the Effort

Maintaining a long-lasting marriage requires work and intention. It’s not just about opposites attracting but also about navigating those differences over time. Kathleen emphasizes that good marriages don’t just happen; they require effort. Understanding and accepting each other’s opposites can be challenging but essential. They have learned to work through their differences and have open conversations about specific behaviors that may be troubling. Building a strong and fulfilling marriage is a continuous process.

9^th Advice for Married Couples: Appreciate the Little Things

Appreciation is a significant factor in successful marriages. Acknowledging the small things and expressing gratitude nurtures the relationship. It’s easy to take each other for granted as the years go by, but expressing appreciation can make a world of difference. Simple gestures like saying “I love you” or “thank you” can go a long way in strengthening the bond. Couples who feel appreciated by their partners are more responsive to each other’s emotional needs and are more committed to the relationship.

10^th Advice for Married Couples: Don’t Go to Bed Angry

While the popular advice is to never go to bed angry, sometimes a good night’s sleep can provide clarity and perspective. Virtual-Cupcake-1510, married for an undisclosed number of years, suggests that sleeping on an argument can change your perspective and help with resolution. It’s important to address conflicts, but sometimes taking a break and allowing emotions to settle can lead to better resolutions. The key is to communicate and resolve the issue when both partners are in a calmer state of mind.

11^th Advice for Married Couples: Family Matters

When you marry someone, you also marry their entire family. Crazyprsn emphasizes the importance of understanding that your partner’s family is part of the package. Building a healthy relationship with your in-laws and practicing kindness and respect towards them can contribute to a harmonious and fulfilling marriage. Remember, you are not just marrying your partner; you are entering into a broader network of relationships.

12^th Advice for Married Couples: Prioritize Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is crucial in maintaining a happy and fulfilling marriage. Seeking online counseling or therapy can provide valuable support for couples facing challenges. Inquire Talk offers convenient and accessible online counseling services, staffed by licensed therapists and counselors specializing in addressing various mental health concerns. Prioritizing mental well-being can help couples navigate through difficult times and strengthen their bond.

Conclusion

Building a lasting and happy marriage requires effort, understanding, and commitment. The advice from couples who have been together for 25 years or more offers valuable insights into what makes a relationship thrive. From acceptance and communication to humor and appreciation, these tips can help couples create a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. Remember, every marriage is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for you and your partner. By incorporating these tried-and-true advices into your relationship, you can enhance your marriage and create a lifetime of love and happiness.

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