What have I learned about marriage? I’ve learned that it’s not easy, it takes time, communication and work from both parties. But when you are intentional about these things and you make your relationship a priority, it is wonderful. My sister recently got engaged and she told me she knew he was the one, that he is her soulmate. I believe in soulmates. Dave and I were friends first but after the moment I realized my love for him went deeper than “just friends” I couldn’t get him out of my mind. We dated then went separate ways for a long stretch of time, four 1/2 years to be exact. I dated others and put some important life experiences under my belt. But I never, ever, for a moment, stop wishing and hoping that he would come back into my life. He did and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Here’s what I’ve found to be important in a marriage (especially after adding three kids in under 4 years)
- Make time for each other (we do this through frequent date nights)
- Communicate (learn each other’s love languages, it will help you in more ways than one!)
- Keep it interesting! (This website, The Dating Divas, has some creative ideas for date nights and night’s in too!)
- Celebrate your love! (We make sure each anniversary is celebrated with an inexpensive gift from the traditional suggestions)
- Take an interest (listen and ask questions. This has been more challenging for me over the last few years but I’m working on it!)
- Keep your love ALIVE! (intimacy has a few different meanings and they are all important!)
Additional Resources from old blog posts: