Today, my husband and I are celebrating our six year wedding anniversary, so I thought I would share six marriage lessons we’ve learned so far. Our relationship is far from perfect, and I think that’s a big part of what makes it so great. We’ve been together for a little more than twelve years, and not a day goes by when I am not incredibly grateful for his love. So, here are 6 marriage lessons for 6 years:
- It’s okay to disagree, as long as you do it respectfully. Try to be patient and hear each other out when you’re at odds, and don’t be stubborn just for the sake of “winning” an argument. As cliche as it sounds, never go to bed angry. It’s just not worth it.
- Be honest with each other. Although the truth can be hard sometimes, it’s a lot healthier than trying to keep secrets. Even if something seems inconsequential, being on the same page encourages trust, and ultimately strengthens your relationship in the long run. That being said, withholding information for an occasional surprise is highly encouraged.
- Find someone who loves you because of your quirks, not despite them. We’re both a little bit weird, and instead of hiding that from each other, we embrace it. I like to be creative and silly, and over the years, my husband has learned to let loose a little more. He knows an infinite amount of sports facts, and can talk about his favorite teams for hours. Although I honestly don’t always want to hear his detailed analysis, I do take every opportunity to brag about his knowledge to fellow sports lovers.
- Prioritize couple time. My husband has a very time-consuming job, and sometimes we don’t get to spend as much time together as we would like. Over the years, we’ve learned that even having an hour to sit on the couch and catch up on our days means a lot to both of us…even if the TV’s on in the background. Plus, on most weekends, we try not to have plans every day so that we get a little time just ourselves.
- Keep doing the little things. No matter how long you’ve been together, it’s important to remember that often the little things mean more than the grand gestures. Send flowers to the office on a special day. Bring home your spouse’s favorite dessert or bottle of wine just because. Offer to walk the dog when you know they’re tired. These little things add up.
- Be there for each other, especially when times are tough. My husband and I met when we were 19. We’ve been through a lot together, and losing my grandfather recently was a reminder of just how lucky I am to have such a supportive partner. He was there not only for me, but for my family, and that meant so much to all of us. He’s also been my number one cheerleader when it comes to my career, and really encouraged me to find a new job that would be more fulfilling. I support him by taking care of the dog (and the apartment) when he’s really busy with work, and do my best not to complain…although when I do, it’s only because I love him so much!
I can’t wait to see where the next 6(0?!) years take us! I love you, Rob!
Happy anniversary! I love this post, especially as I approach the start of my own marriage.