Unfortunately, marriage - an institution instituted by God Himself from the very beginning has been distorted and taken for granted. If we look around, we find many broken families and depressed individuals separated from their spouses. It's painful. I've witnessed the ebb and flow of relationships. Through both trials and triumphs, I've come to understand that even in the seemingly mundane routines, there are opportunities for delightful adventures that can strengthen your bond.
Let's get into a list of seven enriching experiences within the realm of a seemingly ordinary marriage, experiences that have the potential to fortify your connection:
1. Embracing the All-In Philosophy:
A marriage is far more than a contractual agreement; it's a sacred covenant. In this journey, it's not about splitting things 50-50, but rather a mutual giving of 100-100. Each partner contributes their entirety, fostering a deep sense of unity.
Imagine a partner navigating through a challenging phase at work. In a 50-50 mindset, they might anticipate their spouse to offer limited assistance, merely reaching the halfway point. However, embracing the all-in philosophy, the other partner acknowledges the significance of providing unwavering support. They partake in heartfelt conversations, offer encouragement, and even contribute to brainstorming solutions. This approach not only aids the struggling partner but also fortifies the emotional bond between them. Beyond emotional needs, there are other requirements as well, wherein both partners can give their utmost, occasionally necessitating one to shoulder more responsibilities based on their expertise in a particular area.
2. Dissolving the Ego Barrier:
Fruitful and fulfilling marriages are often crafted by partners who set aside their egos. Genuine importance is bestowed upon each other's thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. Ego-centric barriers can crumble, allowing a profound connection to flourish.
Consider Ranjan and Rajani, a couple tackling a home renovation. Their differing design preferences initially sparked debates. However, inspired by the principle of dissolving ego barriers, they took a new approach. Instead of defending their ideas, they listened to each other's perspectives. They discovered that their visions were tied to personal values and memories. Choosing unity over ego, they blended their styles into a harmonious design, showcasing their shared journey. By embracing this principle, their home became a tangible reminder that genuine importance fosters a profound and lasting connection.
3. Unveiling the Power of Communication:
Silence might be serene elsewhere, but in a marriage, it can become a barricade. Instead, venture into the realm of open communication. Express your thoughts and emotions, creating an environment of understanding and empathy.
Ava and Daksh came to the realization that their bond was weakening due to unspoken concerns. Sometimes, giving each other too much space can inadvertently create a barrier, a truth they both came to acknowledge. Embracing the principle of communication, they arranged for a heartfelt conversation. During this exchange, Ava shared her feelings of loneliness, and Daksh admitted to his work-related stress. Their willingness to be vulnerable shattered the wall of silence that had developed between them. They made a commitment to maintain open dialogues, ensuring that their emotions were discussed regularly. As they continued to share, their connection deepened, solutions emerged, and their relationship flourished. Their story serves as a testament to the fact that open communication is not just a tool, but rather the very bridge that brings hearts closer within a marriage.
4. Liberating Bonds:
A marriage is not a confining bondage but a liberating bond. It is always wise for the couples to embrace the freedom to accept responsibilities and stand together as a team, nurturing a sense of partnership that thrives in every circumstance.
Meet Simi and Sailesh, a couple who embodied the principle of liberating bonds. Instead of rigid roles, they embraced fluid responsibilities. When Simi's demanding project clashed with their vacation plans, Sailesh willingly took charge of arrangements. They nurtured partnership by valuing each other's roles. Their flexible approach not only eased stress but also deepened their connection. By choosing freedom over confinement, they fostered a marriage where shared responsibility thrived, showing that true liberation lies in unity and partnering.
5. Conquering the Real Adversaries:
Identifying the genuine sources of conflict that lead to discord between you and your partner is of utmost importance. By tackling these factors head-on, you embark on a journey towards resolution, understanding, and peace at home.
Consider Alkesh and Jamuna, a couple grappling with frequent arguments. They applied the principle of conquering real adversaries after they realized what to do. They recognized that financial disagreements were at the heart of their conflicts. Rather than avoiding the issue, they sat down to discuss their individual money habits and financial goals. By addressing this genuine source of conflict, they embarked on a transformative journey. Their experience underscores that identifying and tackling true sources of discord paves the way for resolution and a stronger bond instead of arguing and fighting with each other.
6. Nurturing Connection in a Digital Age:
In an era of constant distractions, consider adopting the "Cell Phone Rule for Marriage." Just as a phone's battery needs regular charging, your relationship deserves consistent effort and attention to keep it intriguing and captivating.
Meet Sony and Lokesh, a couple who embraced the principle of nurturing connection in the digital age. They noticed that screen time was eroding their quality time together. Inspired by the "Cell Phone Rule for Marriage," they designated device-free hours each day. During these periods, they engaged in meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and rekindled their bond. By prioritizing each other over screens, they discovered that consistent effort to disconnect from technology and connect with each other was the key to maintaining an enchanting and vibrant relationship in today's digital world.
7. Infusing Joyful Moments:
Fostering a joyful atmosphere within your marriage doesn't require poking fun at your partner. Instead, focus on creating a space filled with shared laughter, enjoyable experiences, and mutual respect.
Meet Jayesh and Madhuri, a couple who embodied the principle of infusing joyful moments. They realized that amidst busy routines, laughter had become scarce. Instead of resorting to sarcasm, they began celebrating "Joyful Fridays." On these evenings, they engaged in activities that brought out their playful sides, like cooking together or revisiting old photos. Additionally, they set aside intimate time, dedicating moments solely to each other's company. By focusing on shared laughter, heartwarming experiences, and moments of intimacy, they nurtured a space of mutual respect. Their commitment to positive interactions and connection brought them closer, showing that creating a joyful atmosphere involves both light-heartedness and profound closeness.
Have you noticed, the first alphabet of each verb I have used for each of the points? Like, Enhancing, Dissolving, Unveiling, Liberating, Conquering, Nurturing, and Infusing. Read the first letter of each word in a descending order and you will find a word, I N C L U D E. Yes, “INCLUDE” is my prescribed 7 marriage potions that can truly help you in your marital lives. Remember, the path might not always be smooth, but it is certainly surmountable. With commitment and openness, you can transform your marriage into a tapestry of shared experiences and enduring love.
Stay Blessed!