Walking down the wedding aisle and exchanging the
wedding vow, meant for a lifetime, is the most
meaningful moment for anyone who is deeply in love.
As romantic as it may sound, how many couples do
stick with each other for better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to
love and to cherish, 'till death do us part?
Looking at the increasing number of couples getting
a divorce each year, one can’t help but to think
about the possibility of staying in marriage for a
lifetime. Is that possible? Let’s explore the
factors that make a lasting marriage.
After that magical day of exchanging marriage vow,
many couples think that their childhood fairy tale
of “prince charming marrying a beautiful princess”
is indeed a dream come true. This fairy tale ends
with living in each other’s embrace happily ever
after. Many couples wish that if reality can last a
moment and fairy tale a lifetime; they can indeed
live a blissful and problem free marriage. But the
truth is, the moment you and your spouse are
pronounced “husband and wife”, reality of starting a
marriage begins.
Couples have to view marriage as a life long
experience to nourish each other mentally,
emotionally and physically. There is no other
relationship as enjoyable and blissful as marriage.
Sad to say, the opposite is also true. When one’s
marriage fails, it causes devastation and heartache
that leave both husband and wife separated, parting
for an unfamiliar path and future, unknown. Before
you arrive at the crossroad deciding whether or not
to end your marriage, think about some changes you
can make to save your shattered marriage.
How often do you spend time nourishing your spouse
mentally? It simply means giving your spouse
encouragement, strength and stability to achieve
more in life, in terms of health, career,
friendship, wealth or personal interest. Many wives
would readily yell at their hubbies when they watch
their favorite soccer team on television.
On the other hand, husbands at times are quick to
criticize their wives’ failure, leaving their wives’
self esteem wounded. Marriage is intended to be
blissful; couples have to work towards that. Learn
to set priorities together as a couple. Take time to
explore new hobbies together, try talking about your
goals and ways to achieve them and don’t forget to
be generous in giving positive feedback.
How often do you spend time nourishing your spouse
emotionally? Isn’t it amazing that we are made to
express and contain feelings? Imagine marrying to a
person who is the closest resemblance to a “robot”.
Do you remember your spouse’s delightful response
the last time you say “I love you more each day
darling”? That is what emotional nourishment is all
about. Giving yourself to make your spouse happy and
even in moments of sadness, you are never out of
sight to offer continuous comfort and support.
All too often, this aspect of marriage is greatly
neglected. Many couples are uncomfortable to show
their genuine emotions to their spouses in fear of
being ridiculed or rejected. This is especially true
for men due to the masculine appeal passed down from
past generations. Couples who go through a wide
spectrum of emotions, from exhilaration to utter
hopelessness, tend to hold their marriage dearer as
compared to couples who don’t. Learn to be a good
listener and withhold your judgments as it only
worsens the situation. Trust will be build overtime
as your spouse shares more of himself or herself
emotionally with you.
How often do you spend time nourishing your spouse
physically? When the busyness of life begin to take
a toil on couples, spending time caressing, kissing,
and hugging seem to be the “unchecked” item on one’s
daily “To Do Checklist”. Needless to day, couples
sexual life is also greatly affected, leaving them
unsatisfied and disappointed. Just how important is
sex to married couple? Research has shown that
couples who maintain a healthy sexual life tend to
find their marriage more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Take time to relax and shut yourself from busy
schedule to spark the right mood for sex with your
spouse. Pamper your wife with roses and chocolates,
don’t forget a love note “My Dear and Sexy Wife, You
are simply irresistible!” As for wives, put on sexy
lingerie and watch your hubby’s heart races to
caress you.
From the first day of marriage, couples have chosen
to live their lives together despite whether their
health or wealth fails them. Thus, marriage should
never be given up easily. Always seek to give to
your spouse and do not keep asking to be given. When
our life journey ends on earth, the only valuable
thing left for your spouse is the memories of the
moments you kept giving to nourish your spouse
mentally, emotionally and physically. Start giving
to your spouse today!
