THREE KEYS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Is it possible for two people to live “happily ever after”? Yes. We have all known of many such marriages.

But there are vital keys we need to know to help make this possible. Both husband and wife need to put these to use if they want to unlock the door to happiness.

KEYS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE:   Key #1 is Love

There are three kinds of love — a marriage needs all three

There are different kinds of love: A warm personal affection for someone; the love felt between family members; and romantic love. All three of need to be cultivated between a wife and husband.

When love is is cultivated by a couple, the marriage will last and be happy. It is the perfect bond of union.

Do you have all of these types of love in your marriage? If not, can they be cultivated?

KEYS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE: Key #2 is Mutual Respect

Do you think more of your mate than you do of yourself?

Respect means giving consideration to one another. Those who respect their mates are not just interested in themselves. They develop a deep, personal interest in the happiness of their mates. They consider what is best for their partner – the partner is given priority.

It is not reasonable that two people would have identical views on everything. What is important to one may not be important to the other. But each should respect the views and choices of their partner.

And they should respect their mate’s dignity as well by not making them the object of demeaning jokes or comments, whether private or public.

KEYS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE: Key #3 is Good Communication

Take Time to LISTEN to Your Mate

A loving husband will converse with his wife about her problems and activities. A wife needs a husband who will take the time and interest to really listen to what she has to say. The converse is also true. A husband needs his wife to listen and care about what he has to say as well.

Many wives complain their husbands don’t talk with them. This can lead to serious problems if a wife feels the need to seek a sympathetic ear outside the marriage.

The way partners communicate is also important. The tone of voice and choice of words convey great meaning. One partner might say: “Clean up your mess!” Or, they might say, “Are you done in here? Let me give you a hand cleaning this up.” Which appeals to you?

Good communication flourishes when words are spoken gently, with kindness and tenderness.