Marriage is an incredible bond between two people, yet it's also one of the most complex and intricate relationships you can have. When a marriage is thriving, it feels like nothing else in the world – there's deep connection, understanding, joy and love.
But how do you know if your relationship has reached that level? Are there any signs to look for that tell you whether your marriage is truly healthy? Evaluating the strength of your partnership can be tricky, but there are signs to look for that indicate a thriving marriage. Let's dig in.
Enjoying a Friendship with Your Spouse
One of the signs of a healthy marriage is enjoying a friendship with your spouse. Your spouse should be someone you can confide in, someone who truly listens to you and supports you emotionally. Knowing your partner has your back is a wonderful feeling.
Friendship is the foundation of a strong and healthy marriage. Of course you have tightly bonded friendships outside of your marriage but if you and your spouse have mutual respect, love, and companionship, then you are on the right path to a healthy marriage.
Giving Your Spouse Room to be Themselves
Couples who give each other room to be themselves without feeling like they must change develop a strong foundation for their relationship. It's important to respect each other's individuality and not try to mold one another into something else.
Everyone has quirks, and maybe even a few annoying habits, but learning to set them aside and love your partner for who they are is key to not letting those quirks ruin your relationship. True love means acceptance of who your partner is as a person.
Having Difficult Conversations
Strong couples don't shy away from tough conversations. They embrace compromise, value each other's perspective, and actively listen and learn. Respecting differing opinions is key, and avoiding dismissiveness is a must. When you tackle issues without tearing each other down, you're keeping the love alive.
If you keep avoiding those challenging conversations and sweep them under the rug, you're just asking for trouble. Resentment will start to fester, and you’ll feel unheard. Trust your partner enough to say, "Hey, let's talk about something that's been bothering me." That simple act builds bridges and brings you closer together.
Having a Sense of Humor
A sense of humor is essential! It's important to enjoy the time you spend together and not take everything too seriously. Learning to laugh at yourself and with each other is often the spark that keeps your marriage ignited.
Couples who enjoy a playful dynamic with each other often have a good ability to roll with the punches and truly enjoy spending time together. Engaging in playful banter and sparring can be a fun and effective way to relieve tension and bring closeness to your relationship. Let’s face it, life can be unpredictable but when you can find humor in even the toughest moments, you can conquer just about anything as a couple.
Fighting Fair
Every couple has their disagreements, but in a healthy marriage, these conflicts can actually be constructive rather than destructive. The key lies in how you communicate your emotions during these moments. Instead of resorting to name-calling and personal attacks, it's important to focus on the specific issue at hand and leave past conflicts out of the conversation.
Apologizing and admitting when you're wrong is crucial for both partners. It not only demonstrates humility, but also promotes effective communication and trust. Anger and disappointment are inevitable in any relationship, but what truly matters is how you approach these emotions and the steps you take to mend any damage caused.
Sharing Goals and Partnering for Success
A strong marriage thrives on shared goals and accomplishments. Collaborating, taking equal responsibility, and working together towards a fulfilling life creates a true partnership.
From major decisions like parenting approaches and retirement plans, to the smaller details of household chores and social calendars - every step counts. Mastering the art of negotiation, compromise, and teamwork leads to a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.
Weathering Life’s Storms Together
Let's face it - life isn't always smooth sailing. Unexpected hurdles like illness, loss, or difficult times with family, can arise. During these tough moments, couples should lean on each other, trust one another, and become each other's rock.
Demonstrating unwavering support and love through the ups and downs is crucial. Knowing when your partner needs you and offering help builds intimacy. Engaging in activities that bring you closer together can strengthen your bond and help nurture a healthy and thriving marriage.
Closing Thoughts
There's no secret recipe or crystal ball to predict the health of a marriage, but there are clear indicators that a relationship is flourishing. A thriving and strong marriage goes beyond just physical connection - it thrives on open communication, respect, and trust. Being able to solve conflicts, establish shared objectives, and share laughter not only strengthens the bond between partners, but it also paves the way for a happy and lasting marriage.
Want a happier, stronger marriage? Reach out to us at Elevate Counseling. We'll uncover barriers and roadblocks, so you can enjoy a thriving relationship.