Aarti
Have you ever watched a dating or reality show where you basically observe a couple as they fall in love from the perspective of a fly on the wall? I have, and I usually shake my head when they inevitably say, “We know we’ll face hard times, but we love each other, and love is all you need.” They don’t have the whole story wrong. What you really need is love, in its purest, most selfless form. However, most star-crossed lovers don’t mean that when they talk about their feelings for one another. So for the sake of clarity, what does a relationship need except love?
If you were to ask any married couple, “love” would likely be their first response when asked what it takes to strengthen their bond. After some silence, they will likely elaborate with more detail. Most people will tell you that there are four essentials to a happy marriage besides love.
1. Forgiveness
My spouse and I were terrible at forgiving each other in the early years of our marriage. The gulf between us widened until we saw the need for a breakthrough, which arrived when we agreed to forgive and release each other. Doing this would show your hubby the most love.
2. Mutual Respect and Understanding
Disagreements are inevitable in any marriage since the two partners each have their own unique set of priorities. But we can decide for ourselves that just because we have different perspectives doesn’t make us wrong. Keep in mind that your husband’s viewpoint is influenced by his perspective. Focusing on mutual respect and understanding helps keep criticism and hostility at bay.
3. Vulnerability
In the early stages of a relationship, it can be simple for a couple to open up to one another about their hopes, dreams, and worries. However, honesty and openness will always be necessary in a marriage. If you and your husband are stuck in a rut, feeling unhappy or insecure, or are having difficulty of some kind, talking openly about it can help bring you closer together.
4. Compromise and Reciprocity
In a marriage, each partner must be willing to give and take. My acquaintance became angry of her husband because she felt she was always the one to make concessions and he never recognized or appreciated her efforts. Sometimes the best solution to a quarrel is to compromise. On the other hand, sometimes a situation can only be solved if one party gives in and accepts the other’s position. The way things are in life. In a happy marriage, the giver should switch roles occasionally.
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The principle of reciprocity is not limited to situations of conflict. Every married person hopes to have a partner who loves them and is prepared to make sacrifices for them. Begin with what you’re doing right now. Do you love your husband the way he needs to be loved? Don’t be shy about telling him what you want once you’ve given it some thought.
