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?