Your character shapes your marriage
There are certain character traits in a person that influence the health of every marriage regardless of the culture of the spouse. Many men and women desire to have a strong, healthy and enjoyable marriage, but their dreams are not always fulfilled. Do you really know the person you married? Pretence levels are very high when one is in courtship. Generally, men try to impress women with their macho character that seems invincible and they act as if they can take care of anything in life. Generally, women try to impress men with their personality, fashion and outward appearance. Time then rattles their confidence and both genders find that the real person must soon come out of the closet and one’s true colours must show up. If you adopt the following attributes, you will be well on your way to formulating a strategy for a successful marriage. Take them one at a time and think about how you can both use them to improve your marriage and even your lives. An old Greek adage goes thus: “Life is a gift of nature; but beautiful living is the gift of wisdom.” The character traits shared here will certainly add value to your life and marriage.
* Be Loving Toward Each Other, remembering what attracted you to him/her when you first set eyes on each other. I often ask couples what first attracted them to the person they married and the answers I get always amaze me. Most couples cannot even remember what attracted them to each other. Love each other as God loves you - be willing to forgive and don’t be judgmental. Practice loving, forgiving and being less critical towards others in your life as well, being mindful that we all make mistakes!
* Embrace The Joyful Side Of Life; have gratitude for all that is good around you. Count your blessings even when there are hardships and frustrations that are an inevitable part of life. Choose a peaceful existence. Make decisions that simplify your lives and allow you to experience more peace in your daily walk with God and with each other. Choose friends and activities that enhance your peace, rather than rob you of it. Live within your means so that you can eliminate concerns about money.
* Be Patient With Each Other, remembering that you are each on your own separate journeys, even as you walk through life together. You will mature at a different pace, but you can help each other to learn and to grow.
* Treat Each Other With Kindness; speak lovingly and respectfully to each other using a calm, caring, and considerate tone of voice. Let your love be evident to your spouse and to others by the manner in which you communicate with each other. Whatever you do, let goodness determine your decisions so that you are virtuous, honourable and defined by integrity in all aspects of your life. Your professional, as well as your personal life, should reflect an honest, noble and ethical value system. Do what is best for your marriage.