Seven Years Later, Seven Years Stronger – Lessons from seven years of marriage.
1. Once the endorphins rising, heart palpitating, palms sweating, cliché romance type love fades, it must be replaced by trust, empathy, compassion, reliability, compromise and tolerance which will sustain the marriage for decades.
2. Self-expression and independence are important. Being able to let your partner to be themselves, do something for themselves and have some space nourishes a relationship beyond belief. As much as my husband and I enjoy our time together, we enjoy our time apart just as much. It gives us a chance to rejuvenate, making our time together more cherished and enjoyable.
3. Positivity is a must. No matter how your mood, greet each other with warmth and a smile. Save the argument for after the positive greeting, it will be less intense.
4. Be thankful and appreciative of even the small things. Affirmation, appreciation and gratitude will be well received even by the most selfless of souls.
5. You are not the same people each of you married seven years ago. People change, grow and evolve over time. Learn to love and cherish what is in front of you in the present. After all, this version of you both is after years of conditioning by each other.
6. Neither of you can read minds. Speak up and communicate. It will decrease arguments and heartache later on.
7. Understand each person’s perception of beautiful, clean, organized, fun, entertaining may be different. Accept these differences, try to find middle ground. If not, live and let live. I have given up convincing my husband to watch Indo/Pak movies and dramas. He has given up on my messiness and has asked our cleaning person to start coming weekly.