In our last post, we shared the most important building block for a strong foundation, and we gave you 5 key principles to get you started! If you missed that post, check it out here before you continue reading. You don't want to miss those main cornerstones.
Here are the rest of the essential building blocks you'll need to add, in order to strengthen your foundation:
Financial Harmony: Money matters can be a significant source of conflict in marriages. Have open discussions about financial goals, budgeting, and responsibilities to ensure financial harmony and avoid unnecessary tension.
Continuous Growth: Recognize that both individuals will grow and change over time. Be open to growth, learning, and adapting to the changes that life brings, both as individuals and as a couple.
Expectation Management: Be realistic about what marriage entails and understand that it won't always be smooth sailing. Remember that NO relationship is perfect, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Having open and honest discussions about each other's expectations, desires, and limitations can prevent misunderstandings and disappointment.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Learn to navigate conflicts constructively by practicing active listening and empathy. Focus on finding solutions that benefit both partners rather than trying to "win" arguments. Work towards "US" rather than just "ME" or "YOU".
Seeking Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to seek professional help or counseling if you encounter significant challenges in your marriage. A trained therapist can provide guidance and support to help you navigate difficult issues and strengthen your relationship. (sidenote: we have several at Live the Life that can help. Feel free to email us if we can help you.)
Although these principles will help you build a love that will stand the test of time, sometimes all marriages have a few cracks in the structure and need some extra support. That's where we come in! We can help you strengthen your relationship with conflict resolution skills and communication skills through our Adventures in Marriage classes.
If you need some extra support and a team to encourage you along the way, head to this site and check out our classes that are offered. https://aimclasses.org/classes
We are here for you!