HEY MARRIAGE, WHAT’S UP!

Marriages are hard. Even those Instagram couples that make everything look perfect all the time are likely going to tell you that the only way they have gotten to where they are today is by putting in the work it takes to have a successful marriage.

There’s the commonplace advice that everyone gives like “don’t go to bed angry” and “always compromise,” but once you’re actually married, you realize that those things are just easier said than done. Surely, you’re going to go to bed angry once in a while. Who can communicate well at midnight, anyway?

People also say is that the first year of marriage is the hardest. So, to help you thrive through it, we’ve come up with 5 tips for newlyweds that will help put the key to a long marriage in the palm of your hands.

1. DON’T BE TOO HARD ON EACH OTHER

Things just aren’t always going to be perfect or easy. Wanting to have the picturesque marriage that you see on TV or social media is totally normal, but it just isn’t realistic! You’re both only human and the important thing is that you’re there for each other when it counts. The key to a long marriage is showing up and trying for each other even when things get hard.

2. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

And by that we mean always remember to say, “thank you.” While complaining about your marriage is something that’s common and widely accepted, it tends to result in feelings of unfulfillment and resentment. When you’re always looking for something that’s wrong or only speaking up when you’re unhappy, you’re only facilitating a negative environment. Practice gratitude by paying attention to and acknowledging the things that your partner gets right.

3. HAVE FUN

Once the honeymoon is over, you might feel bogged down by the “real world” of marriage; the crash after the “high.” Try to keep that excitement going by always having adventures with your partner! Don’t set the bar too high, though – you don’t need to jet off around the world to have an adventure. Just trying something new together once in a while can be the key to a long marriage.

4. SAVE MONEY

Financial troubles are the third most common reason that couples get divorced – preceded by growing apart and inability to communicate. Debt and lack of funds can out a ton of stress on a relationship so the sooner you’re able to get your finances in order and have a substantial savings, the less you’ll have to worry about later on!

5. LOOK GOOD FOR EACH OTHER

You might have heard the phrase, “never stop dating each other.” This means that you should always try to treat your partner like they’re something special – something that is worth getting dressed up for, buying flowers for, and planning thoughtful dates with. Of course, you should be comfortable with each other, but maintaining the attraction that brought the two of you together is one of the keys to a long marriage.