7 secret ingredients to a happy marriage

Do you know happiness in your marriage can be the key to your good health? Studies suggest marriage is the key factor in finding contentment. That’s why I bring you these 7 secret ingredients to a happy marriage.

A dependable companionship is a basic human need and marriage is the way to fulfill that.

There are several surveys that prove that married couples are more satisfied than widows or divorcees. Another study says happily married couples enjoy better mental and physical health. 

From lowering blood pressure to reducing heart risk, happy marriage is the best medicine. Marriage is also an antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression. An emerging body of research also suggests that a happy marriage can help lower the risk of developing cancer. 

With so many perks of a happy marriage, it is imperative that you try. No marriage is perfect but every marriage is worth fighting for. So, here are 7 secret ingredients to a happy marriage that every couple must know!

Also Read – Role-Reversal – the new trend in India

7 secret ingredients to a happy marriage

Marriage is a sacred bond that binds two souls to form a family. 

And just like the seven-vows in Hindu marriage, there are 7 secret ingredients to a happy marriage. In ancient times, it was the mother who passed on the lessons of married life to their daughters. But there was no manual for the sons. 

However, in modern times, it takes effort from the two to make their marriage work.

That’s why I bring you these 7 highly researched ingredients to a happy marriage!

1. The route to romance starts with respect

Do you know what is more important than love in your marriage? It’s in respect! It’s not me saying this. Studies said respect is more crucial than love. 

Respect is the first ingredient to the recipe for a happy marriage. 

Having mutual respect for each other sets a strong foundation on which love breeds.

Respect is a sign of trust, support, love, and appreciation. It comes from a place of empathy, care, and deep understanding. It means you understand your differences yet respect each other’s choices. 

A relation that lacks respect finds resentment!

Without respect, marriage is bound to find itself in the cracks. Survey reveals that disrespect is one of the main causes of a dysfunctional marriage. And by respect I don’t mean just talking politely to each other, it also means no backbiting!

Remember, intimacy fizzes out in relationships that lack respect!

Also Read: How to fix resentment in a relationship?

2. Always care to communicate

Couples who say we never fight may have the most wrecked relationship! 

The secret to a successful marriage is open and honest communications. 

A survey revealed that poor communication is the most commonly cited reason for couple therapy. Communicating is not just talking to each other, it means sharing your desires, goals, beliefs and emotions.  

Couples must speak openly without inhibitions for a marriage to work!

Marriage is a long journey and your life is bound to go through ups and downs. As such, it’s important to keep all doors of communication open. You must be able to share your fears and insecurities along with the good things.

Also hiding things from each other builds a wall of mistrust and anger. 

That’s why it’s important to give your partner a breathing space. Don’t judge or expect your partner to be a mirror image of yourself. And most importantly, never ignore the little cracks in the relationship that often blocks the routes of communication.

3. Marriage thrives on trust

Any partnership thrives on trust!

And marriage is the longest partnership in which trust is an indispensable ingredient. Research says couples in a happy marriage show unquestioned trust in each other. Trust makes the partners feel safe, secure, and supported.

Both infidelity and possessiveness are the foes of a happy marriage. 

Marriages crumble when trust is broken no matter whether you cheat or not. Even the little lies that may seem harmless can cause irreversible damage. And it takes years to build trust once broken!

Lack of trust or breach of trust is the biggest jolt in a marriage.

Another common problem that shakes the trust is possessiveness. Possessiveness is the poison of the mind and it is sure to ruin your relationship sooner or later. It is very important to trust your partner and respect their individual space. 

Of course, this does not mean you need to trust your partner blindly. Have open conversations and give them the space to be themselves. It’s a tough balance between trusting yet not trusting blindly.

Also Read: Possessiveness is the poison of the mind

4. Love begins with Friendship

The most adored relationship in this world is friendship!

There are no judgments, no burdens, no strings yet there are trust and loyalty.

Research says that couples who are great friends enjoy a higher percentage of marital satisfaction. Couples who are friends look forward to spending time together. They genuinely enjoy each other’s company. 

Friendship helps married couples feel safe to be more open with each other. 

Friendship is one package that brings all the elements of a happy marriage. Love, respect, trust, dependency. When your partner becomes your friend, family no more seems like a burden!

Friendship builds emotional intimacy that results in better physical intimacy!

Nurturing and building a friendship with your spouse would require practice and patience. But once you reach that comfortable space, your married life becomes the most exciting ride.

5. Sex is the secret to success

Marriage is not a synonym for bad sex.

Most people think the spice of sex fizzes out a few years after marriage. But that’s far from the truth. There are many couples who enjoy steamy sex even after decades of marriage. 

Sex is a very essential ingredient to a happy marriage. 

However, it’s true that many couples experience a dip in their sexual desires with passing years. This might be because of a lowered libido. Sexual desires may also be ebbed by childbirth, illness, chronic pain, medication or stress.

Many people find themselves entangled in the responsibilities of married life. As such, sex often takes a back seat. For many women, it’s more of a duty to satisfy the husband than to indulge in pleasure.

Studies say sex may be the key to a happy marriage. However, sex does much more than bring pleasure. Good sex could be the key to good health. Sex could help in battling depression, stress, and anxiety. It can also help in lowering the risk of many chronic diseases. 

Physical intimacy also helps in improving the emotional bond between the partners. 

Also Read: 5 golden tips to rekindle your romance

6. Love and Let go

This one is a complicated one!

Some say love is the foundation of a happy marriage. 

Others argue that love is overrated in a marriage. 

Well, it’s complicated! 

Respect, friendship, space, trust, and loyalty set the ground for a happy and stable marriage. These elements are crucial. But that does not mean marriage can last without love. Love is the secret ingredient that binds everything else together. 

Living in a loveless marriage is worse than living in a prison. 

Love empowers you. It allows you to let go off all the little fights between you and your partner. In love, there is no place for bitterness or resentment. There is always a sense of empathy and compassion. And this is a very strong factor in a happy marriage! 

7. Celebrate Life

The secret to a happy marriage lies in celebrating the small thrills of life. 

Research shows that couples who celebrate small thrills are more successful. They exude a feeling of gratitude and positivity. Be it the big promotion, birthday, anniversary or just a good day, celebrate life!

It’s a great power to celebrate life!

Many couples postpone their happiness in the wait for big moments. But life is nothing but these little moments of joy and sorrow. So, make sure to experience these moments together. 

Happiness comes to those who know to celebrate!

Also Read: Happiness begins with celebrating small thrills

Does your marriage include these 7 ingredients?

Every marriage is different and every couple is unique. 

Yet the basics of every marriage remain the same!

Trust, faith, love, respect, friendship, communication, and sex. These are the keys to every successful marriage. No matter whether you are a young couple much in love or you have aged together, these simple things can keep your romance sparkling!

And it’s very important to keep that sparkle alive. A happy marriage is good for you and your partner’s health. It brings you contentment and happiness. Studies also say happy marriage leads to longer lives. But most of all, it is a boon for your children. 

So, put in some effort to add magic to your marriage!