Marriage is a lifelong expedition filled with beautiful memories and shared experiences of couples who are determined and prepared to go the extra mile to secure a happy and peaceful marriage. A marriage can shower you with all the wonderful expectations you desire one day and become a bittersweet experience the next if you and your spouse both lack the wisdom to keep the peace in your home. The differences between marriages built on wise decisions and others are simple acts of submission, which place the happiness and well-being of the couple in the highest priority.
True love is vulnerable
Marriage is not for those who are not prepared to make themselves vulnerable, as it is a relationship that builds emotional intimacy and openness between two people who are prepared to share their lives together. True love can only be experienced when you and your spouse are vulnerable with each other; a proud spouse cannot give or receive affection as humility is the heart of vulnerability in marriage, which discriminates against any form of oppressive behaviour.
Criticise with good intention
Honest criticism in marriage allows you to give honest advice and learn how to support your spouse, who may be feeling a little low after an argument or conflict. Criticism does not only provide the opportunity to gain experience from your mistakes but also to improve your communication. Couples who criticise with good intentions are more likely to earn each other’s trust and respect and are more sensitive towards their own needs and feelings too. Criticism can be a learning experience in marriage when you both understand the negative impacts it can have on your relationship, especially if your intention is to humiliate, diminish and undermine your significant other.
Leave room for forgiveness
Love can become a painful experience and a peaceful marriage cannot be made possible without making space for forgiveness. Therefore, couples who can admit their failings and express regret for their mistakes are more likely to enjoy peace and less likely to focus on their own imperfections.
Trust the process
Marriage is a process that requires wisdom, honesty, commitment, and the ability to trust in its growth and success. Trusting the process is understanding that you cannot control every situation you are confronted with and you do not have all the answers to solve your marital challenges too. Trust is the assurance that confirms that you can both have your peace even in tricky situations. If you are currently in an unhealthy marriage, you may no longer feel the need to trust the process. However, it is vital to understand that your thoughts and actions can have a positive or negative impact on your marriage.
Develop an attitude of gratitude
Showing gratitude is one of the best ways to live in peace and harmony in your marriage; it is a wonderful experience which makes it possible for you to appreciate and treasure your marriage above other things. Gratitude invokes the attitude of contentment in marriage and the opportunity to appreciate the smallest things you and your spouse do for each other. Gratitude is an extension of individual development and accomplishment and couples who practise gratitude are more likely to make healthier choices, build positive connections and improve their goals and opportunities beyond the marriage.
