The first year of marriage, they say, can be full of challenges for couples. Since the newlyweds would be getting used to each other’s company, it may come with some frictions. However, note that the quality of your marriage is in direct relationship to how much the couple is willing to look inside themselves and grow emotionally.
They need to take action toward changing their habitual reactions to stress and commit to daily practices that keep their union in perspective. Below are tips to survive the first year in marriage:
1. Transform your criticism to curiousity
Over time, you are going to learn a lot about this other person, what you think you know is not all that you know. Seek to understand your partner and commit to listening to them. Be careful. Blame will get you nowhere. Criticism will kill love. Expectations and rules will limit you and your relationship. So, have more conversations where you share your dreams, and ask to hear theirs. Practice more fun and appreciation every single day.
2. Accept each other’s imperfections
It is normal to get on each other’s nerves especially as you are getting to know each other better. If you haven’t experienced your lover under extreme stress and pain, chances are you’ll witness this within the first year of marriage. What you see might surprise or even downright scare you. It is a masterful skill to be able to manage stress well—remember, like anything else, it’s a skill that takes time
3. Spice up your love life
Don’t be trapped in routines. When we get used to something, someplace, or someone, we’ll take it for granted. And marriage, by nature, is filled with a daily monotonous routine. It’s very important to unpredictable and spontaneous. Surprise your spouse with a date night every once in a while.
4. Commit to growth
Anything not growing is dead. Remember the vows you and your partner took and commit to making it grow. Ask your spouse what their beliefs are. See if the two of you can dispel old ideas that no longer represent your deepest principles.