5 Tips for a Happy Marriage

Weddings are fun – lots of love and laughter shared with your friends and family are part of what make the perfect wedding day. But after the vows are said, and the private last dance is shared, the real work begins. Being married isn’t always easy, but when you put in the effort, it’s magical. On July 1, 2017, I married the love of my life, and the best partner I could have ever asked for. Today we are celebrating 5 years of marriage, and looking forward to so many more. We’ve learned so much on this journey, and here are our five tips for a happy marriage.

Don’t Go to Bed Angry

My number one tip for newlyweds is don’t go to bed angry. Marriage isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and that’s okay. If your spouse upsets you, make sure you communicate how you feel and learn to forgive. If things get heated, walk away for a bit and then revisit the conversation once you’ve both had a chance to cool off. By talking things out before bed, you can resolve the conflict and get a good nights rest without feelings of anger festering overnight, and then start fresh in the morning.

It’s Okay to Agree to Disagree

You won’t always agree on everything 100% of the time. You are two different people, so it’s to be expected that you may view things a little differently. Be respectful of each other’s opinions and learn to support each other. Differences are what keep life interesting, so being openminded to your differences prevents conflict, which leads me to the next tip.

Communication is Key

Communicate. Communicate. And communicate some more. Be open and honest, and communicate clearly. Don’t leave things open to interpretation, because more often than not, someone will assume the wrong thing. Talk about your hopes and dreams, how you’re feeling, and about any problems so they can be resolved.

Appreciate Each Other

When you’re with someone for a long time, it’s easy to take them for granted. Take time out of every day to show appreciation for your partner. Thank them for doing that chore you hate doing, or for being thoughtful and having your morning cup of coffee ready when you wake up. Remind them why you chose to spend your life with them. We all need to feel valued, and a daily reminder is a great way to keep your relationship going strong.

Never Stop Dating Your Spouse

Make time for each other. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to fall into a routine. Even if you plan something small like a movie night in bed, or cooking a new recipe for dinner together, it’s important that you make time for each other. Plan a date night gives you time with your partner to continue to grow with each other instead of apart from each other.

As I look back at some of our favorite photos from our wedding day, and think about the last five years of marriage, I am so thankful to have a partner that follows these five tips for a happy marriage with me. I excited to see what the next five years will bring, and cherish that we get to celebrate with newlyweds as they embark on their own journey through marriage.

Photography by Charming Fox Photography

• 
  Miss K’s BXM Boudoir Experience
• 
  A Dream Bay Resort Wedding: Tropical Elegance in Key Largo
• 
  A Timeless Dove Ridge Vineyard Wedding