7 Secrets of Happy Couples
Why do some couples stay happy together for a
lifetime, while others are in conflict almost
from the beginning?
Part of the answer is compatibility… making the
initial choice of a spouse with whom you
share common values. Equally much,
however, depends upon the choices each spouse
chooses to make during the
relationship.
Here are seven choices made by happy couples…
1. Trust…
Suspicion and jealousy are the death knell of any
relationship. If the other is going to cheat
or otherwise dishonor the
relationship, suspicion and jealousy will not prevent it, and such
a
relationship is fatally flawed in any case. Unwarranted suspicion and jealousy
create misery
in a surprising number of relationships. If you want to live
happily, trust your spouse completely.
If they dishonor your trust, deal with
the situation then. In the meanwhile, you will have been
happy.
2. Open
Communication…
Tell the truth, tell the whole truth. If you didn't
want to share your whole life with your spouse,
why are you together? If you
make a mistake, admit it. If you have doubts, talk about them.
Secrets and lies
kill a relationship. With truth and openness anything is possible. Even if
something is unforgivable, it is better to deal with it quickly.
3. Honoring
the other's point-of-view…
People disagree, couples disagree. Understanding
that the two spouses in a couple remain
individuals is crucial to a happy
relationship. Why would you expect that you and your spouse
should agree on
everything? Honor that one of you is a Republican and the other a Democrat.
Honor that one of you is a vegetarian and the other loves a great steak.
4.
Self-Confidence…
Co-dependence is another frequent cause of failed
relationships. Happy couples know that
they don't need each other. Each spouse
is a completely whole and valid individual who has
entered into a voluntary
partnership. Neither "owns" the other, nor "can't live
without" the
other. Each has their own interests and friends, as well as
having mutual interests and friends.
5. Generosity…
Greed and selfishness kill relationships. True love
is generous in spirit. Mostly, generosity is
not about material things,
although that is also important. To have a happy relationship,
be generous of
your time, your love, and your attention.
6.
Forgiveness…
Resentments and thoughts of revenge and vengeance
have no place in a happy relationship.
Happy couples forgive each other
completely for everything the other has ever done or
failed to do… no
exceptions.
7.
Gratitude…
Happy couples are continuously grateful for each
other. Every day there are a myriad of
reasons to be grateful for your spouse.
Find those reasons each day, and thank your
spouse every day.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Edited by H.C.
