How to maintain a happier married life

Relationship is a close bond between two individuals. This bond is based on feelings of love, affection and attraction. Marriage is when this bond or union is legally and formally recognised. Key characteristics of deep and meaningful relationship are traits like: trust, honesty, mutual respect, intimacy, comaptability. However, abstract concepts such as feeling of love cannot be covered under one line or definition i.e. it is highly subjective.

Though people share significant bonds with their parents, siblings, other family members and even friends yet nothing can dismiss the need to have intimate-partner relationship (or romantic relationships). Love and belongingness is an innate need of all humans. Deeper engagement with partner/ significant other brings fulfilment and adds meaning to life.

Love relationships can be of two types:

·        Homosexual (or same sex relationship)

·        Hetrosexual (or opposite gender)

Different patterns of attachment:

Secure attachment- This type of attachment refers to comfortable and close bonds with strong sense of autonomy.

Avoidant attachment-  This attachment style means freedom or individuality is given more importance than relationship.

Anxious attachment- This pattern of attachment is characterised by clingy behaviour and fear of being left out (fearful).

Not all days in a relationship are sunny, there are periods of storm and rain (disputes, fights or disagreements). Common causes of relationship issues:

·        Infedility (cheating)

·        Incompatibility

·        Jealousy

·        Abuse or domestic violence

·        Closed or negligible communication

·        Difference in sex-drive

·        Financial issues

·        Different lifestyle

Even if you are not facing any of the above issue you can still work upon your relationship in order to make it more healthy and strong.

Maintaining happy married life  

Though there is no mantra or formula for a successful relationship one thing that holds utmost importance is ‘Enjoying similarities and respecting differences’. You may or may not like everything that your partner does but dating your clone wouldn’t be fun either.

Healthy and open communication is the key to resolve anything under the sun. Thus, it is important to establish a proper communication channel and assure that rapport wherein your partner is comfortable in sharing anything with you.

Express your worries, needs, concerns or anything that is bothering you openly with your partner. Also, make sure when your partner expresses him/herself you listen carefully and without any judgement.

Giving your partner their private space and time is crucial. Being together doesn’t require sticking together literally all the time. One shall not lose their identity in a relationship nor make their partner go through the same.

Long-term (stable) relationships are usually the result of patience and resilience. Ups and lows are part of life but supporting each other through these times of uncertainity determine the stability of a relationship.