Marriage is a Journey

submitted by Fordyono Sukamto, Senior Account Executive

Marriage to some might be just simply mean finding a life companion or for others, it maybe a way of making a statement “it’s time to settle down”. There are many reasons as a matter a fact to why we choose to walk down the aisle. Whatever the reasons, Marriage is a journey for two.

For those who intend to enter this rollercoaster ride journey of marriage or just about to begin your own marriage journey, the following guide is your very own Marriage 101 to help you and your partner in creating a successful marriage relationship.

1. Before setting a ‘Wedding Date’
In summary, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself why you are getting married. If your motives are unrealistic, you may find yourself having unfulfilled expectations. You also have to learn to accept that living together and being married are different. Marriage is more than sharing a home and having sex. Likewise, communication plays an important key in maintaining a relationship. Always talk with one another about important issues before you walk down the aisle and deal with realities and expectations to keep your marriage strong. This may sound corny but you can always do a little research by talking to married couples, look up at books, or web to find out how to get married by getting a better idea, not forgetting different locales have different marriage licensing regulations.

2. Understanding the importance of communication in your marriage
Learn to keep your lines of communication open with one another. Be honest and never hide secrets with your partner. Create an understanding that everything in life has a process stage, likewise marriages. Maintaining a healthy marriage is a life long process. There will be times that fight, arguments will follow through disagreement, and the key is learning how to fight fairly. Happily married couples do not avoid an argument. They know how to handle conflict in healthy ways. Be willing to seek help through couple therapy if you find yourselves starting to be defensive, critical, or distant from one another. Do not wait too long to get help. Couples who postpone seeking professional advice often find that the damage to their marriage is too extensive to save it.

3. Issues Many Married Couples Have to Work Through Together
Many researches have shown and proven that ‘finance’ is the number one reason couples divorce. Therefore, the best way to avoid these before it is too late is to discuss money issues in your relationship regularly. The second highest is conflict over house chores. You cannot avoid talking about this topic.

Well, the third is a little bit tricky; a sexy, exciting marriage does not just happen. You need to stay intimate with one another and show your love and passion for one another on a daily basis. The fourth most common issue is kids. As having kids in your family can bring tremendous joy, they do however will create an impact on your marriage. Remember to schedule time just for the two of you. The fifth issue is involve with the outer circle is your in-laws. Whether you like it or not, your in-laws will be a part of your marriage so it is wise to learn how to set boundaries with your in-laws and how to enjoy them. Finally yet importantly, stress in your marriage tends to tear most couples apart. Learn coping skills to help you through the tough times.

4. Celebrating your marriage relationship
Eventually, we are the ones who decide the fate of our own marriage. The minute you are on board the journey, you are stick to it for life. Nonetheless, here are some tips for dummies; Create some spice and learn to have fun together. Celebrate special events such as birthdays and especially wedding anniversaries and lastly plan for holidays and how you will handle your in-law’s expectations.

I hope you enjoy reading this article and please note that I am not involved or responsible for any liabilities if none of the points worked out for you.