What is it that makes a successful marriage? Every marriage is different and has different successes and challenges. For some marriages the challenge might balancing raising children with respective careers. For others it might be their husband’s insomnia or for some it might be that the wife seems permanently attached to her mobile phone – especially true of mummy bloggers. However, before we all get on the phone to Austin Kemp Divorce Solicitors we need to take the time to ask ourselves what is it that makes some people have a successful marriage? Are they simply lucky or is there more to it than that? Does the success of a marriage depend on how we respond to these challenges? We all know some “smug marrieds”. The couple who seemingly have the perfect marriage. But can any marriage really be that perfect? Do any of us really know what goes on behind that closed front door? For all we know that perfect married couple could be having weekly therapy sessions and that is why their marriage really works.
Is marriage therapy the secret to a successful marriage? Not according to this article which claims to know the secrets for a happy marriage.
What Are The Secrets To A Happy Marriage?
1) Never change each other. Yes, in theory but then sometimes we all need to encourage change. If a woman was married to a man who dropped his socks on the floor and left the toilet seat up, then she would definitely be trying to change him! Being a wife does not make a woman a maid. The husband might also find that they are bought the classic book ‘Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus’
2) Compliment them. We all love to receive a compliment and we should be giving them too. Compliments are even more important when it comes to parenting little ones. Parenting is a tough gig and one where we all need plenty of compliments and reassurance.
3) Revisit the past. Sometimes a trip down memory lane can be good. It can also be a good laugh to go through some of your old photos from the past. Even the ones where you are both sporting rather dubious haircuts!
4) Always listen to each other. YES! Although, we can all be guilty of switching off. Sometimes we have a million things going on in our brain and we are trying to get lots of jobs done. We then realise that we haven’t listened to anything that has been said to us. Whoops. On the other-hand it drives us all insane if we think that our husbands aren’t listening to us. There are only so many times we are prepared to ask the same question, again and again….! We are all guilty of not always listening.
5) Don’t get comfortable. It seems that suggestion being made here is that we shouldn’t be happy to laze around together watching Netflix. Do they not realise that the saying “Netflix and chill” (as in relax, not the other meaning) is popular amongst sleep-deprived parents for a reason. The article implies that women should probably be heading down to Ann Summers for some sexy lingerie. It’s autumn and the weather is getting a bit chilly and most of the female population would prefer getting comfy in their Marks & Spencer pjs, Netflix, a cup of tea and some chocolates. That is the secret to a happy marriage.
6) Do chores together. Yes, we aren’t in the 1950s anymore. Marriage should always be about equality. The serial housework-avoiders amongst us would prefer it even more if they won the lottery and then they could pay for a cleaner to do the chores for them. That would make for a very happy marriage!
7) Workout together. Does any married couple want to see their wife or husband grunting and sweating all over the gym floor? Workout time is far better when done alone!
8) Take a weekly walk. It doesn’t make it clear if this involves walking to your local pub, that is a weekly walk most parents would be very happy to take. A weekly walk is probably a good idea but for parents it is less romantic walk for two, and more like an endurance test because you have the whole family in tow.
What do you think? Do you agree that these really are the 8 secrets to a happy marriage? Perhaps you know the real secret to a happy marriage…
