How to Survive Your First Year of Marriage

Everyone knows marriage is a huge step in life. Statistically polls have showed us that the first year of marriage has been proven to be the hardest. Below are steps that can help couples that may be struggling through their first year of marriage

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. So you’re newly married, congratulations! One of the first things you will probably do is set up a bank account together. Financial trouble is one of the leading causes of divorce. It is important to sit down together and discuss a budget so you both have a say as to what’s the best way to spend the money. Unless you’re both doing extremely well it is important to keep in mind that you may lose some of the spending freedom that you previously had. You’re no longer spending just for yourself anymore. You’re spending for both of you and it is important to keep that in mind.

2. Never go to bed angry. If you have an argument it is important to try to resolve things as much as possible. Even if you still don’t reach common ground every time at least you were able to speak your mind so that you can each hear where you are both coming from. Just because you may not agree that doesn’t mean that the respect for each other isn’t there. However, if you choose to bottle up anger and feelings they can come out at inappropriate times.

3. Emotional support is essential. If both of you or just one of you appears to be struggling it is important to let each other know that you are in this together. Neither one of you should ever feel alone. That’s one of the privileges of having each other, “through good times and bad”.

4. Have a good time together. Make it a point to spend time together. Go out to karaoke. Make each other laugh. If you’re bored play a game and stir up some friendly competition. This will help liven things up and you may laugh about it later.

5. Take the good with the bad. Don’t expect your marriage to be perfect. There may be problems in your marriage but almost every marriage will have problems. Each of you may have your flaws, suspicions, and limits but that’s part of everyone. Just try your best to trust each other and give the benefit of the doubt. Trust me you’ll feel better about yourself.

6. Let each other know you love each other. Whether it’s a simple hold of the hand, a kiss, or coming out to say it there is nothing more comforting than knowing you are loved.

Tips & Warnings

• One thing that can help is taking marriage courses before you are actually married. If you are getting married by someone who works for a religious organization certain places will require that you take these courses. These classes will help prepare you for certain marital situations.

[jimdris]

on 1/17/2008 Great article! You covered many important points that are addressed in marriage preparation courses.