“A successful marriagewillhave ups and downs.
Anyone who says they never have ups and downs is not being truthful.”
“Embrace the challenges.
My husband and I have been through hell.
The one thing that kept us together was our commitment to each other.
Every time we overcame an obstacle together, it made our marriage 10 times stronger.”
“We’ve been married for 37 years and raised a family.
We’re almost experiencing homelessness and feel like teenagers again.
I can’t stand to be away from him.
psychicangel86
2.
“It’s a myth that having children will bring you closer.
Kids require so much time and attention 24/7!
Also, caring for the children isn’t the mother’s/wife’s job alone; it is a shared responsibility.
They’re both of your children.”
53, Atlanta
3.
“It’s important to realize that expectations will be met AND broken sometimes on the same day.
Put the issue out there and figure out how to fix it.
The biggest myth is that marriage is happily ever after.
“I was married young.
He retired as an Army Infantry Officer, and we have a wonderful family of children and grandchildren.”
67, Michigan
4.
“Live and work as a team.
Enjoy whatever pleasure and happiness come along.
Don’t overthink it.
And don’t have unrealistic expectations.”
81, Indiana
5.
“It’s a myth that a romantic proposal will make for a long, happy marriage.
I remember asking my mother how my father proposed, and she replied, ‘He never proposed!’
Anonymous
6.
“The idea that old enough = ready.
I’ve seen one too many short-lived relationships and marriages because of this.”
ka3a4ka
7.
“A successful marriagewillhave ups and downs.
Anyone who says they never have ups and downs is not being truthful.
Bumps in the road can be handled if both spouses keep an open mind.
Rarely is one partner responsible for 100% of the issues.”
Anonymous, Florida
8.
“Stop falling in love with someone’s potential.
Just because they have it doesn’t mean they want to use it.
If you think they will change, you’re already screwed.”
lemonfruit885
9.
50s, Virginia
10.
“‘Don’t go to sleep angry’ is such crap.
Arguing when you’re both tired and emotional is a recipe for disaster and resentment.”
k402e21627
11.
“‘Til death do you part.’
We took each other and our marriage for granted.
58, Canada
12.
“Depending on who you are or what your desires are, sex can totally matter.
Even if it does not lead to infidelity, it can potentially lead to your partner and yourself!
finding other ways to plug the hole.
As a result, it may cause you to drift apart.”
58, Connecticut
13.
Love is a verb that youdofor one another.
You give 110%, not 50/50, to be together!
Weve been in love together now for over five years with no ending in sight!”
spiritedturtle975
14.
What does that mean?”
“1) Encourage and support each other in some unapologetic ‘me’ time.
- Each partner MUST do their share of childcare.
Draft a relationship contract to reach an agreement and hold each other and yourself accountable.
- Talk to each other.
And be vocal about your needs and wants.”
omgchronicles
15.
“PICK YOUR BATTLES.
A pet peeve of mine is that my husband always leaves cabinets open.
I’ve often asked him to remember to close them, but he still forgets sometimes.
But it’s nothing detrimental to our family, so I just close them when it happens.
Not everything requires an argument.”
“And I know I do things that annoy him as well.
Pick your battles; not everything is the hill you want to die on.”
angelav45d8cf1a3
16.
“Showing each other affection is still as important as when we first started dating.
danr32
And finally…
17.
“Not every marriage is the same, and comparison truly is the thief of joy.
abbye4227fbd92
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
