The marriage process has been complex. Each generation seems to have new expectations and stipulations.
While many of the problems are the same, it is difficult to figure out what equality looks like between a man or woman in a marriage.
We all know marriage is a partnership. Therefore, we should do our fair share.
Although it sounds cold and unromantic it is true that it would be a business partnership. Relationships and money are at stake.
This prompts us to ask, “How can this improve my marriage?” How do I accomplish this? Let me quickly answer the first question.
You will feel valued, respected as if you are part of their team, loved, trusted, and taken seriously by your partner.
These are some great benefits for your marital relationship. It will make your marriage last longer, so why not?
The second question is “How do I do it?” While some may find this obvious, many of us didn’t grow up with the best examples and models of marriage or partnership.
Many people grew up with parents who didn’t view their spouse as a partner or parents that taught them little about marriage.
To answer that question, I will give you some tips to help improve your marriage and be an equal partner.
1. Give and take
This is a fundamental concept that applies to all aspects of life, especially to marriage.
Here’s an example of giving and receiving in your marriage that will give you a better understanding and help you take action.
You probably come home from work exhausted and hungry. Who wouldn’t? Regardless of whether you are the woman or the man in the situation, the circumstances, and how you feel about it, your reaction is most important.
Perhaps you don’t have the energy or confidence to cook a meal for someone else, or you feel lazy as well.
These are all valid reasons, and they all show why giving back is difficult. You can give back in many ways with all your valid excuses.
What if you made some quick meals, ate take-out, or cooked leftovers? How much would they feel valued or taken care of?
2. Supporting Goals
Do you know the old saying that you must look after your dreams and goals, if not, no one else will? This is true for many people.
They work tirelessly to pursue their dreams since no one else is doing as much to help them out. This should not be the case with your spouse.
Your spouse must be your partner in working to achieve your dreams. You will feel closer if you work together on your spouse’s dreams.
Show them that you are there for them and help them to achieve their goals.
They could be looking to travel the world for six months or a year, or they might have a goal to pursue a career that requires them to earn a degree.
Do your research together or separately. Find out how much it costs, what you need, and what steps are needed to reach your dream.
Start by asking your spouse what their dream is. Next, ask them what you can do to help them achieve those dreams.
Then, just do it. You can be open about what you will say and do, and your spouse will soon see that you care and want to do the same.
3. You can build-up
My experience has taught me that hurting your spouse is also hurting you.
They will build walls between you and themselves to prevent themselves from getting hurt over and over.
This in turn makes you feel hurt. This damages your relationship and makes forgiveness difficult for both of you.
Some people react to a spouse doing something they don’t like or dislike, by ridiculing them or cutting them down.
Remember that you are part of the same team, you are partners. You might feel frustrated or angry, but it’s best to not let them down.
Sometimes they may be asking for or requesting forgiveness. In these cases, we should freely offer it. You can then reinforce the healthy cycle between giving and receiving.
After all, you will make mistakes and eventually need to be forgiven.
A healthy perspective of your spouse and your place in the relationship can help you build a strong partnership.
4. Consult
In our society, independence and individuality are so valued that we often don’t think about consulting our spouses when making major decisions.
Even if you feel you don’t need to ask your spouse about it, you still have to be able to make decisions for your relationship.
Your decision can also affect their lives. It is important to have a discussion with them about it and get their feedback.
Talk to your partner if you are going to spend a lot of money on a purchase or a major life decision. You can then trust that each of you has the other’s best interests at heart.
Marriage is hard work. It’s important that we all do our fair share of the work.
This will create a healthy marriage and allow both spouses to be content with their growth together.
