It Comes With the Territory: 10 Things All Couples Should Accept About Marriage

Are you one of those people who after getting married realized there were certain things you wish you had known before saying “I do”? In fact I often hear these conversations in my circle of married friends. In fact, I feel like my relationship could’ve done without a lot of the early drama we had in the beginning if only I had known certain things. I think part of being a grown up in a marriage is about accepting the good with the bad. Not being naïve and not having unrealistic expectations. So to those newly engaged and those recreating their marriage if you would like to build on a healthy foundation know what to expect.

1. We get out of it what we put in. It might occasionally feel like work, but if you don’t feed your marriage, it will starve.
2. Some days your spouse just won’t be feeling you and it is ok. Because on certain days, you won’t be feeling them either. It’s important for each person in the relationship to have their own hobbies and a life outside of their spouse. A smothering spouse can ruin a marriage.
3. Something is going to set you off, piss you off and almost take you to your limit. But you are the only one that has the power to control what and how you react to what happens.
4. You are going to get tired. Physically and emotionally. Make sure you are getting the necessary rest and relaxation. Don’t try being a superhero; know your limits and do what you can when you can. Be honest about when you need a break.
5. Occasionally your effort might not be matched by your spouse at any given time and it is also ok and shouldn’t stop you from giving your all.
6. Your spouse just might not get it. No matter how many times you’ve explained it there will be things you won’t agree on. He’ll have his view and she’ll be sold on her opinion. Know how to agree to disagree and move on.
7. You have a say so in the type of marriage you will have. From the very beginning your actions or lack thereof will determine if there is effective communication, teamwork, honesty and true commitment.
8. There are different paths that lead to the same result. Your spouse is not you, so he/she won’t always do things as you would. Accept that and keep it moving forward.
9. It won’t work without both partners being present. Showing up, trying harder, giving more of self and time is key.
10. Others are using your marriage as inspiration. People today need hope they want and need to see healthy marriages, especially in our communities.

Knowing what it takes going in helps to keep us prepared for the long haul. Being realistic and always willing to give your all is an excellent way to build your marriage.

BMWK family, what’s one thing you wish you had known before you got married? 


About the author

Tiya Cunningham-Sumter is a Certified Life & Relationship Coach, Founder of Life Editing. Tiya was featured in Ebony Magazine in the October 2008 and November 2010 issues. Tiya recently created and launched (Tuesdays with Tiya) Life Editing Radio show on blogtalkradio.com. She resides in Chicago with her husband and two children.



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Comments (29)

  1. Sakma6 Monday - 03 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    I like this article, its very insightful.  I'm sharing it with my husband right now.
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thank you!
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thank you!
  2. Nellie Monday - 03 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    this is great! Especially number ten, most of the women in my family are either single or divorced, so its up to me @ 28 to prove that it can work for the younger generations! Talk about pressure! 
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Nellie, I agree it is a lot of pressure, but I believe we owe to ourselves to have a healthy marriage. We deserve it. Thanks!
  3. Discussion King Monday - 03 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Nice list! thanks for sharing.. Not married, but from relationships.. one thing I'll add is that sometimes you may have to FORCE yourself to remember the awesome things that you love about your partner. It didn't happen often, but once in a while it seems like I couldn't remember much good about her. :-) Oh.. and sometimes the 'lil things they did to get us' change b/c our reactions to them have changed. Like.. she used to give me a HUGE hug + super big wet kiss when I got her flowers.. but now she smiles and says thanks. Both are appreciation.. but I wanna HUG and KISS dammit! :-) And same with other things..
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thanks Discussion King. Have you let her know you need those hugs and kisses?
  4. ladyjay91 Monday - 03 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    I love this article and plan on sharing with my married friends and putting a link on the blog.  Currently divorced but in a loving realationship.  I plan to keep this one close at hand. Thanks again for the great article.
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thank you Ladyjay!
  5. Lamar Monday - 03 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Excellent post as always Tiya and I love #10: "10. Others are using your marriage as inspiration. People today need hope they want and need to see healthy marriages, especially in our communities." So true!
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thank you Lamar.
  6. Reginald Williams Monday - 03 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    GREAT post Tiya. All the items where excellent. Loved 2, 3 and 5 because folks often don't think these are ingredients of marriage. Because people love #10 I would be honored to share a recent post on that very subject: http://ruleyourwife316.com/2011/08/08/somebody-is-watching-you/ www.ruleyourwife316.com
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thanks Reginald. I am going to check out your link. Thanks for sharing.
  7. Boydtempettes Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Very helpful information. Thanks
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thank you.
  8. Michelle Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Thank you for sharing this. I am definitely learning these things as I grow with my fiance'. I look forward to sharing our lives together and it is good to know that relationships will have its ups and downs and it does not mean "run" especially if the downs are times where you can grow as person. 
    • Tiya Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Well said. Thank you!
  9. Tyva Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Good stuff!! This should be required premarital reading. Love it and appreciate you for sharing it.
    • Tiya Sunday - 09 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thanks Tyva!
  10. Ryan Goldman Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    good stuff! all are great points and that one that hit home the most was #10. even tho its a great feeling, its alot of pressure!  :)
    • Tiya Sunday - 09 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Ryan, I agree it is a lot of pressure at times.
  11. Crystal Tuesday - 04 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Very true article!
    • Tiya Sunday - 09 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thanks Crystal.
  12. Divine DivaLiya Wednesday - 05 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    Tiya! OMGosh! Not only am I going to share this w/my husband, I wished I'd known how critical he can be at times. I admit I have my flaws but sheesh! It seems as if I'm wrong no matter what & it does get frustrating & make me want to give up BUT I trust God put us together & NO man can put asunder! Thanks for the great article!
    • Tiya Sunday - 09 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thanks Divine Diva for sharing. Yes, trust GOD and continue to put 100% into your half of the relationship.
  13. Sherease Thursday - 06 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    My husband and I are 10 years in and I never tire of reading articles like this.  Thanks for the post!
    • Tiya Sunday - 09 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thank you Sherease.
  14. Almac3 Friday - 07 / 10 / 2011 Reply
    I'm not married,but this is very inspiring and one to grow on.
    • Tiya Sunday - 09 / 10 / 2011 Reply
      Thanks Almac

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