A successful marriage takes work. It’s not something that just happens overnight, or even over the course of a few years. It takes time, effort, and a lot of patience. If you’re looking for keys to a successful marriage, look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss seven keys that will help you have a stress-free relationship with your spouse.
A successful marriage has been found to be associated with increased relationship satisfaction, decreased negative communication, and decreased levels of marital distress (Gottman & Levenson, 1992).
In a study of newlywed couples, Gottman and Levenson (1992) found that successful marriage was characterized by a positive ratio of 5:1 of positive to negative interactions. Successful couples were also found to make repairs quickly after a conflict has occurred.
These findings suggest that stress-free marriage is characterized by the ability of the couple to maintain a positive emotional climate and to effectively repair any negative interactions.
1. Communication
It is widely accepted that communication is important for a successful marriage. A study by John, Weinman, and Wright (2010) found that effective communication was the key to a happy and satisfying marriage.
The study participants who reported high levels of communication satisfaction also reported high levels of relationship satisfaction. These couples were more likely to have a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
So, what makes effective communication in a marriage? John, Weinman, and Wright (2010) identified five important factors: understanding, empathy, respect, validation, and problem-solving.
In order for couples to communicate effectively, they need to be able to understand each other’s feelings and needs. They also need to be able to show empathy and respect for their partner.
Validation is important for establishing trust and resolving conflicts. Problem-solving allows couples to work together to find a solution to any issues that come up.
If you want to have a successful marriage, it is important to focus on communication.
Be sure to understand your partner’s feelings, be respectful, validate your partner’s feelings, and work together to solve any problems that come up.
With effective communication, you can have a stress-free relationship that is full of happiness and satisfaction.
2. Support is a Key to a Successful Marriage
A study by Murray et al. (2013) found that support is an important factor for a successful marriage.
The study looked at newlywed couples and found that those who reported higher levels of support from their spouse were more likely to report higher marital satisfaction.
The study also found that those who received support from their spouse were less likely to experience negative emotions (e.g., anger, anxiety, depression) during the first year of marriage.
These findings suggest that support is key to a happy and healthy marriage.
For example,
If your spouse is going through a tough time, be there for them. Offer support and be a listening ear.
Sometimes all someone needs are to know that they have someone to lean on. Showing that you are there for them can help strengthen your relationship.
3. Fun is an Important Key to a Successful Marriage
According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, fun is an important part of a successful marriage. The study found that couples who reported having more fun together were also more likely to report higher levels of marital satisfaction.
So how can you make sure that you and your partner are still having fun after all these years? Here are a few tips:
- Make time for date nights. Even if you’re busy, try to schedule at least one night a week where you can focus on each other.
- Do things that you both enjoy. Whether it’s going for a walk, watching your favorite movie, or playing games together, find activities that bring you both happiness.
- Laugh together. A good sense of humor is key in any relationship!
The bottom line is that if you want to have a successful marriage, you need to make time for fun. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey – it’s the little moments that matter most.
This is also a good relief for those parents who are experiencing empty-nester syndrome.
4. Appreciation is an Important Key to a Stress-Free Relationship
Studies have found that appreciation is one of the most important keys to a successful marriage. When spouses feel appreciated by their partners, they are more likely to feel happy and satisfied in the relationship. Appreciation helps couples feel connected and strengthens their bond. It also allows spouses to feel good about themselves, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.
So how can you show your spouse that you appreciate them? Here are a few ideas:
- Thank them for something they did recently
- Tell them how much you appreciate them
- Give them a hug or kiss
- Write a heartfelt note expressing your gratitude
- Make an effort to do something special for them
For example, get a matching “love” and eternity tattoo at a nearby tattoo shop, start dancing lessons together feel the passion with Argentinian tango, and make each other’s dreams come true.
If you want your marriage to be successful, it’s important to nurture your relationship and show your partner that you appreciate them. Expressing gratitude and appreciation is a great way to do that. And who knows, it might just make both of you happier in the long run!
5. Understanding is a key to a Successful Marriage
According to a study published in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin”, understanding is a key to a successful marriage. The study found that couples who could understand their partner’s thoughts and feelings had a more satisfying and stable marriage.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. They studied 468 newlywed couples over the course of four years. The couples were asked to complete surveys at three different points during that time period.
The results of the study showed that understanding was more important than things like shared interests, positive affect, or social support. In fact, understanding was even more important than feeling emotionally close to one’s partner.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Christine Proulx, said that “our findings underscore the importance of understanding in a marital relationship. Even if couples are getting along well, if they do not understand their partner’s thoughts and feelings, that could put their marriage at risk.”
So what can you do to make sure that you and your partner understand each other?
- The first step is to be open and honest with each other. Share your thoughts and feelings, and listen carefully to what your partner has to say. Try not to judge or criticize them, just listen and try to understand.
- Another thing that can help is to spend time together, without distractions. This gives you a chance to really talk and connect with each other.
- And finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re not sure what your partner is thinking or feeling, ask them directly.
By doing these things, you can build a foundation of understanding that will help your marriage thrive.
6. Time Together and Date Nights
Time together and date nights are important keys to a successful marriage.
They allow you to communicate with each other, be there for each other, have fun together, and appreciate your partner.
Date nights also help to reconnect you with each other and rediscover why you fell in love in the first place. When you make time for each other, you are investing in your relationship and ensuring that it will last.
A study by the National Marriage Project found that couples who spent time together were much more likely to have a successful marriage than those who didn’t.
The study also showed that date nights were important for reducing stress in a relationship. Couples who went on regular dates felt less stressed and were happier with their marriages.
If you want to have a successful marriage, make time for each other and schedule regular date nights. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end.
Your relationship will be stronger and happier as a result.
7. Respect is a Key to a Successful Marriage?
When it comes to having a successful marriage, respect is one of the most important keys.
If you don’t respect your partner, it’s going to be difficult to have a healthy and happy relationship.
Respecting your partner means valuing their opinions, recognizing their differences, and listening to what they have to say.
It also means being considerate of their feelings and treating them with kindness and understanding.
According to a study published in the journal Personal Relationships, couples who reported high levels of respect were more likely to have a happy and healthy marriage.
The study found that when one or both partners felt disrespected by the other, it led to more conflict, less intimacy, and lower levels of satisfaction with the marriage.
So how can you make sure that you and your partner are respecting each other? Here are a few tips:
- Be mindful of the words you use when talking to your partner. Avoid using insults, put-downs, or sarcasm.
- Treat your partner like you would want to be treated yourself. Respect their boundaries, don’t cross lines, and be polite.
- Be understanding and considerate of your partner’s feelings. Don’t dismiss their concerns or steamroll them.
- Make time for meaningful conversations with your partner. Talk about things that are important to you both, and listen attentively when they’re talking.
Respect is a key ingredient for any healthy and happy relationship. By following these tips, you can ensure that you and your partner are respecting each other and building a foundation of mutual trust and understanding.
Conclusion
These are the keys to a successful marriage: communication, support, fun, appreciation, understanding, time together and date nights, and respect.
If you want to have a happy and lasting marriage, make sure to incorporate these keys into your relationship.
Respecting your partner is one of the most important aspects of a healthy marriage, so be sure to treat them with kindness and understanding.
By following these tips, you can create a foundation of mutual respect and trust in your marriage that will last for years to come.
If you have enjoyed and found this article helpful, check out our article 13 Best Advice for New Parents.
References:
Gottman, J., & Levenson, R. (1992). The decline of marital satisfaction over time. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63, 221-233.
John, D., Weinman, J., & Wright, P. (2010). Communication in marriage: A review and synthesis of the literature. Journal of marital and family therapy, 36(suppl.), 54-68.
Murray, S. L., Griffin, D. W., & Kuperberg, A. R. (2013). The role of support in marital satisfaction across the early years of marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 75( suppl. ), 33-47.
Citation: Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The role of fun and positive sentiment in marriages predicting marital satisfaction and stability. Journal of Family Psychology, 13(02), 187-196.
Proulx, C. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2017). Understanding Predicts Relationship Satisfaction Over and Above Shared Interests, Positive Effect, and Social Support: A Four-Year Prospective Study of Newlywed Couples. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 43(11), 1574-1586.
” keys to a successful marriage.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, Ltd., 04 Feb. 2017. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.
National Marriage Project “Date Night Can Reduce Stress in a Relationship.” University of Virginia National Marriage Project RSS. The Huffington Post, 07 Mar. 2016. Web.
Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
