Secrets to a Happy Marriage

I read an article on Telegraph about a research done on 2,000 happily married couples which identified the key factors in maintaining a blissful marriage.

Here are some key factors which the 2,000 couples shared. As a newly married couple, we do have a lot to learn. I have dissected the article and break them down into categories. Have fun reading!

Make time for one another

• Go on a short break together twice a year [We maintained this practice too!]
• Eat out in restaurants at least three times a month [Baby, see it’s not that I’m a glutton!]
• Arrange for at least five movie nights at home instead of spending the usual evening fighting over the remote control or disagreeing about what to watch [We disagree over what to watch on cable TV all the time! I love my CSI, NCIS, Hawaii-5-O, Criminal Minds and he loves all the food related channels. Perhaps a movie night might solve this problem!]

Show Physical Affection

• Share a lingering kiss six times a week [We try to kiss each other goodbye every morning]
• Have sex twice a week [No comment. Hah.]

Give words of affection

• Say “I love you” up to nine times a fortnight [We do that via whatsapp, does that count?]

Have meaningful conversations

• At least one healthy argument a week to ensure they resolve anything which is bothering them [Healthy is the key word in this sentence.]

Give each other space

• Allow a night out with friends instead of their other half

Little Romantic Gestures

• Cook a nice meal, take their spouse a cup of tea in bed three times a month [I should do this more often!]

Give and Take

• Never go to bed on an argument
• Try to turn a blind eye to irritating habits and accept each other’s fault [HEY BABY, LOOK HERE]
• Know when to say sorry [I know sorry it’s the hardest word to say, but it is also the magic word. If you can use it to turn things around, you are a magician!]
• Share household chores equally [I’m the lazy one, so yes, this is for me.]
• Compromising on television schedule [I’m also the TV addict. Shucks.]

Other factors

• Friendship with your spouse is more indicative to a successful marriage than the initial love at first sight [We are building our friendship daily, he is like my irritating roommate. HAHA.]
• Support each other and being kind
• Being honest
• Retaining a degree of secrecy [A little conflicting ya. Haha.]

What about yours? What makes your relationship successful?