I am sad to see many failed marriages.
People are busy.
They try to emulate others.
They compare their spouse with their family members and friends and thereby kill the uniqueness of their relation.
Here are few suggestions to fuel your marriage to happiness and make it long-lasting.
1.
Uniqueness - As a couple, you must be aware that you are a special and unique.
Your story is unique.
Your circumstances and experiences are unique.
Opportunities and threats for your relation will be unique too.
Your relation is a journey.
Live through every moment.
Don't try to emulate experiences of your siblings, parents and friends.
They have their own journey, which is different from yours.
2.
Time - No matter how busy you are, take some time out for each other.
"I don't have time" or "I am busy with office work" does not work.
3.
Individuality - As a couple, you will often be considered as a single unit.
However, remember that you two are different individuals and have different identity.
There can be disagreement.
There can be difference of opinion.
It is these differences of opinions that gives strength to your relation and provide the uniqueness.
Unfortunately, you didn't marry your clone.
Between two of you have space to accommodate these differences.
Before you love accept each other as an individual.
4.
Communication - Doesn't matter what medium you decide to choose but communicate as often as possible.
Silence is a language too but in this era, it is not as effective as it used to be.
Communicate to kill rumours.
Communicate to dissolve misunderstandings.
Communicate to destroy gossips.
If you will not communicate, others will, not for you but about you.
Your spouse must be aware of everything about you that can affect the present and future of your relation.
5.
Love & Respect - Love is strength of your relation.
Love each other without reason.
Don't look for occasions to express your love.
Express it anyways, all the time.
Your love is a reason for your family (next generation); your family is not a reason for your love.
It is sad to hear people saying that they are living together for the future of their kids and not because they are in love with each other.
6.
Trust - Trust each other and stay loyal.
Trust and loyalty are glues that keep the relation together.
If you cannot trust one another then you cannot live together, doesn't matter who much you love each other.
Love without trust is false and unreal.
Long and happy marriage is not a destination.
It is work-in-progress.
It requires sincere and honest effort from both the individuals involved in it.
Living together shall not be a social responsibility.
It must not be a fear.
It must not be a compulsion or a duty.
It must be passion.
It must be fun and enjoyment.
And more importantly, it must help you grow - together and individually.
Have a happy married life.
Enjoy and have fun.