The first year of marriage can bring unexpected challenges for any couple. That’s why Monica Gabriel Marshall, writing for Verily, has some proactive ideas for couples.
The first suggestion is being aware of how to manage conflict. When we get into arguments it’s easy to get sucked into the conflict. Or, as Marshall notes for herself, having the tendency to withdraw from the discussion. Couples can avoid this either-or phenomenon by knowing how to stay engaged. Perhaps it’s a keyword or gesture that reminds both of you to stay on track and resolve the disagreement instead of having an unproductive argument.
The next idea is to make sure you are both on the same schedule. She and her husband use Google Calendar to communicate plans. This helps for avoiding conflicts.
Marshall also suggests that couples make plans that involve just each other. Once married some couples wind-up becoming more like roommates as opposed to partners. You can avoid this by scheduling regular date nights where it’s just the two of you. These can be simple things such as making dinner together or enjoying a movie.
Another way to stay connected is calling or texting your partner during the day. This can serve two functions. The first is making sure you are both on the same page for anything planned for the day, such as appointments or meeting up for a date-night. The second is that it’s a chance to be personal with each other, and show that you care.
When it comes to meals, Marshall suggests making dinners simple. She relates how she felt the pressure to impress with her cooking. Yet this pressure also causes unnecessary stress. Instead, she says to make things fun and prioritize being together early in your marriage. You can also ask your partner to cook too!
Want to learn more about how to survive the first year of your marriage? You can read the full post by Monica Gabriel Marshall here: 5 Stupid-Easy Relationship Hacks I Learned in Marriage Prep.
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