Society today is completely obsessed with weddings. Some women begin planning their wedding day before they reach their teenage years! With so much enthusiasm placed on the “getting married” part, it seems the actual marriage is being ignored. Before you find the perfect venue, caterer and band, take time to evaluate your relationship and ensure you have your lifelong partner. Included here are a few signs that your marriage will stand the test of time.
You Laugh Together
Keep in mind, this reads “together” not “at each other.” A surefire sign you are not in the lasting pattern is if you demonstrate contempt for each other by sighing or rolling your eyes. If you have humor in common and can joke and laugh together you have a much better shot at making it. Laughter releases endorphins which helps both people feel happier and more comfortable.
You Communicate
Every great couple knows one thing, they have to communicate to understand each other. Feeling baffled or angry at your spouse’s choices or ideas is a telltale sign that things are not right. In a secure relationship each person should confide and communicate with the other to create understanding.
You Are Comfortable Together
Being truly comfortable with your spouse can mean a lot of things. You should be able to spend time together without feeling the need to fill every bout of silence. You also should be able to be yourself in front of the other person; this includes those sick, grungy days with no make-up. If you feel there are things about yourself you never want to show the other person, you have not yet developed a comfortable relationship.
You Have Shared Goals
One of the beautiful things about marriage is that it is a blend of two unique individuals. As a couple, it is important you each retain your individuality but that you also have shared goals. If one partner wants to gain financial success and comfort in the city and another wants to serve in the Peace Corps, there is sure to be trouble. A more serious issue in this realm is one partner who is religious with a non-believing spouse, or a partner who wants children with a spouse who does not.
You Can Resolve Conflict
If you and your spouse have difficulty resolving arguments or conflicts, you are sure to have a strain when facing the years of marriage. Keep in mind that every disagreement is an obstacle to get over in order to gain unity. Fight for the same team; no one should win and no one should lose in an argument but you should both compromise and gain understanding. A healthy understanding of your partner and conflict resolution is sure to breed marital happiness for years to come.