Good morning Belles! Today marks my 391st day of marriage – wow how time is flying these days! By no means do I consider myself a marriage expert, but having just passed the 365-day milestone and being someone who believes in a good + strong marriage, I do have a few post-newlywed hints to a happy marriage that I want to shout from atop the Blue Ridge Parkway; Emily graciously agreed to let me use my inside voice and share in print instead.
Byron Loves Fawn via 100 Layer Cake
Mercy, I loved planning every little piece of my wedding and swear to goodness that I would do it all over again, EVERY year, because I loved every minute of it. I loved it because of what it represented – the extremely intentional and heartfelt beginning to our married life. Planning for life post-marriage, alongside preparing all the little details for our wedding day celebration was extremely important to both of us.
By all means, marriage is hard work and takes serious effort, but it is so worth it. Kyle still might leave the toilet seat up on rare occasion (potentially dangerous in the middle of the night) and I may or may not occasionally hog the covers, but after nearly eight years of dating and one shiny year of marriage – we have some advice to share with those that are preparing to join in this crazy, fun adventure. So here are my 10 (+1) hints for a happy marriage:
Please note that this list is by no means all-encompassing – but rest assured these 10 (+1) ‘rules’ are well-tested and put into practice daily in our household. I am more excited than a pup with two tails to share some insight into each one of these rules over the next few weeks. I 100% believe that good marriage can change the world, and so I am committed to being that change, as well as helping y’all be the change, too.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from our married ladies: What are some of your hints for a happy marriage?
So good! I would say one of my and John’s hints for a happy marriage is something I learned from my parents: instead of “going halfway,” try to feel like you’re always going 90% of the way. It helps me to stop fretting about whether or not John is doing “his part,” and reminds me to always try and “outdo each other in showing honor.” So looking forward to this series!!
Emily: Such great advice!
Let me preface this with saying, I’m not married yet – will be this September. But I read marriage advice somewhere that said not to look at marriage as 50/50, but as 100/100 because at some point you or or spouse will not be able to give 100% and at that point the other one will be there to fill in the gap. I’m sure it was said much more eloquently wherever I read it, but it was such a lovely sentiment and has stuck with me.
Loved this post Kristin! Looking forward to the follow-on! xx
Lauren + Emily: Based on this conversation string, y’all are going to love ‘tip 9’. And thanks for the sweet thoughts. Excited to share some insight into a topic that really sets my heart on fire!!
(And Lauren – congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Enjoy these last few weeks. Take some deep breaths and soak in this sweet time…)
I love this post so much, Kristin!! The way you entered into your marriage through your meaningful, intentional wedding, setting you up for a meaningful, intentional marriage is so inspiring. I’m filing this post away for the future! :)
I agree with Emily, I’m looking forward to this series as well! After nearly five (holy cow) years of marriage, I love continuing to learn ways to grow.
I love these! I am only 26 days into my new marriage, and it is wonderful seeing things that I believe to be essential foundation pieces, such the ones listed, reiterated. I think it would be precious to have these made into prints!
Melissa: Congratulations Mrs. Newlywed. Enjoy this ‘crazy, fun adventure’ that you have just started. Can’t wait to dig into this tips and share a bit more over the coming weeks. Big hugs!!!
This was such a breath of fresh air! September bride here too, and I think in all the fury of wedding planning it’s good to see these reminders of why we wedding plan in the first place – to prep for MARRIAGE. I’ve been obsessing over mercury glass, burlap and bicycle crunches, so I often forget to step away and focus on the relationship I have with my wonderful fiancé and how to stay in love once the wedding is over. Thank you ladies!
Stephanie: This is music to my ears! Good luck with the final weeks of planning and preparations. And I would encourage you to go ahead and put some of this hints into practice pre-wedding…Enjoy those last few weeks by going on dates and taking some deep breaths! Big SW hugs!!
We’re nearing the 1 year mark so I can’t speak from too much experience, but I definitely agree with #10. Sitting down and just talking about our day is one of my favorite things to do with my husband. If it was a great day, I love to share that with him and if it wasn’t so great, it always makes me feel better to talk it over with him.
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[…] Hints for a Happy Marriage – So here are my 10 (+1) hints for a happy marriage: Please note that this list is by no means all-encompassing – but rest assured these 10 (+1) ‘rules’ are well-tested and put into practice daily in our household. I am more excited than a pup … […]