I’ve always been fascinated with couples who have been together for over 30 years. My parents will be celebrating their 40th this year and it’s been one heck of a roller coaster for them.
Most of the couples I’ve asked say a long-term marriage is reflected upon the communication between the two parties.
But I have to disagree.
Creating Your Foundation
Some people will only tell you what they want you to hear, and in some cases, they might even hear what they would like you to say.
If your relationship is built on trust, you know that whatever comes out from your significant other’s lips is the truth. And when they use a white lie to keep you from worrying too much, you take it for face value.
And this is where communication comes in.
Sitting your partner down in times when you sense something is wrong will help strengthen the trust between the two of you.
Building From Trust
Most people don’t realize how important trust is, and hold on to a relationship even after the trust they had has faded.
But to make something work, you need to continue to work on it. Like laying out the foundation of a home, you have to build from the ground up.
You won’t set up windows without walls. You need something to look into before you can look out of it.
Everything you bring to the table needs to help in building your relationship.
For some people, building good relationships come naturally. But that’s always the case for everyone.
If they haven’t had a good example in their own home, it can be tough.
I mentioned my parents have had a roller coaster marriage. And for a good portion of my life, I thought that was normal.
Until I started dating of course.
I always thought being submissive was a positive thing. I thought men would yell regardless.
But that’s not true.
Jeff and I don’t yell at each other to get our point across, we discuss.
I thought complaining to others solved issues. That’s not true either.
Jeff and I talk things out. If there’s anyone we should be complaining to, it’s to each other.
We’re not perfect, but we know what’s worked in the past and what would only cause issues in the end.
We’ve created a family, and although our foundation has taken time to build, we’ve been able to patiently do so.
Isn’t that what matters most?
37 responses to “Let Trust Be The Foundation”
communication is HUGE with me & I have unfortunately been in some relationships where it has turned into not being that important for the other person – it sucks, I need it to function.
Hey Laura. The good news is you learned from those past relationships. That's what really matters.
I love this. Marriage can be so hard and it definitely takes so much work, but it's worth it!
Thanks for taking the time out to read my post, Sarah. I have to agree. Marriage is beautiful, but you need to put in work. Like any relationship, you need to nurture it.
I hope to be one of those couples who are married 30 years. I'm at almost 12 years right now so I'm on my way.
Aww. Congrats on going over 10 years with your spouse. That's always such a blessing.
My hubby and I have been married for going on 15 years and there have been some rough patches in our marriage. We found out early on not to try and mirror our parents relationship because a lot of what we have seen them do isn't something we want to do. We have learned from the past and are comfortable with who we are as a couple…finally!
Yes! There's so much beauty in just being yourself and doing the things that work for you and your spouse. Every relationship is different, and your needs are unique.
I think it's so individual for each couple. There's magic in being unique & respecting that.
I agree. Thanks for sharing, Kimberly.
Communication is definitely a very important facet in a relationship. I learned that early on my relationship with my husband, and it is definitely something that has become very important when things get tough
Hey Donna. Glad you were able to learn early on. Communication helps with dealing with differences.
Communication is key for a successful relationship! Congratulations on 10+ years with your husband!
Southern Soul
Thanks, Brittany, but we're still on our fourth year. My parents have been married for almost 40 years.
I trusted my husband and he had a two year affair before he walked out the door. I truly thought we had it all – a great marriage, a great family, a wonderful life. As much as we talked – he never shared that he was unhappy. It takes more than communication and trust. It also takes commitment and loyalty.
:/ the toughest part of any relationship is how vulnerable we are to getting hurt. You're right. It definitely takes a lot more, but for me the base needs to be trust.
Trust is the hardest part of any relationship! I have had a lot of shady people in my life but I need to remember not all people are bad! And trust a tad bit more.