Weddings are wonderful. The couple plans all the fun events leading up to and on the big day, and the celebration seems to never end. But after the hurrah of the wedding events, we all know life starts to set in and marriage takes work.
Following all the parties and gifts, the real work begins. Two people who want a relationship to work must understand that there are daily habits they must practice to sustain a lasting and beautiful marriage.
Marriage involves two people not only committing to one another, but to an equal partnership of introspection. Whether you're newlyweds or have been married for 20 years, you have to understand that daily exercises are important to keeping your marriage alive.
Take a look at these four most powerful exercises to detoxify your relationship from bad habits:
1. Treat each other with respect
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Aretha Franklin had it right when she said that people should demand respect. Respect means treating someone as an equal and not making them feel inadequate.
When you name call or place blame on one another, it only creates feelings of resentment. Arguments will happen whether you like it or not. The way you treat each other will be a great test to showing your respect for one another.
Being mindful of your tone and the words you use on a regular basis will help your spouse feel like you care about them and they're your top priority. Be fair with one another - relationships are about partnerships, not competition.
You should also respect each other's boundaries and opinions. Just because you don't see eye-to-eye doesn't mean you have the right to judge the other person. Understanding where your spouse is coming from is worth more than agreeing on the same idea.
2. Stay connected with communication
Communication is one of the most vital aspects of any relationship. Speak up if something bothers you and allow the other person to speak while you sit and listen. Many conflicts occur in relationships because of communication issues.
People who choose a relationship are committed to their partner. So, you can only expect that the way they say or do things is of positive intent. If there is any type of disagreement between the two of you, talk it out and let each other have time to speak.
You should feel comfortable talking with your spouse openly about your feelings. You don't necessarily have to be great at communication, but you do have to be good at being open and fair.
3. Set and maintain expectations
We all come from different walks of life, and all grew up in different situations. With that being said, every person has different expectations when it comes to relationships.
Some people have general expectations such as no appreciation for fidelity. People can also have diverse expectations where one person is more lenient than another when it comes to financial situations. Whatever the similarities or differences are, a couple is successful when they have particular expectations in the marriage and both parties adhere to those expectations.
Of course, your criteria for your marriage should be practical and specific to your marriage. What works for other couples may not work for you. Maintaining an open conversation about expectations and how those expectations should be met is a great way to ensure positive habits in your marriage.
4. Practice self-love
When you choose to commit yourself to another person for the rest of your life, you're committing to love them forever. You're demonstrating your love for this person, and you should strive to prove that you're ready to devote yourself completely to the relationship.
However, you shouldn't lose yourself in the process. When some people get into relationships, they become dependent on the other person and forget about their own needs. Avoid this by setting alone time or hang out with your friends without your spouse.
It's also important to know your worth and what you bring to the relationship. Psychology Today describes self-love as being able to accept your weaknesses and strengths without feeling like you need to justify your shortcomings.
In other words, you should never feel as though you would be nothing without your spouse. Besides, if your spouse truly cares about you, they will want you to focus on yourself sometimes.
Marriage lets your significant other know you love them so much you wanted to commit yourself to them for the rest of your life. As you go through marriage, you should understand that there is a great effort required on your part that promotes positive habits for a long-term relationship.
There's no magic pill that will fix anyone's relationships, just like there is no antidote for losing weight. However, hard work, the right diet and exercise can help weight loss. Similarly, relationships require dedication, heart and a commitment to keep the relationship strong and alive.
Doing these these four powerful exercises will help you gain a strong bond with your spouse and will let you enjoy a happy marriage. It takes two to tango, so both of you should take the lead and dance with intention.
