Over the summer my husband Josh and I, celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. I feel like year 5, is the first big milestone in your overall marriage journey, and it got me thinking about all of the things I have learned since becoming a newlywed. Below are my top 5 over the last 5 years!
#1. Say thank you. This is such a simple one, but easy to forget. Our spouses serve us well in so many ways (especially mine) that sometimes I think we are quick to forget, and it can become an expectation rather than a gift. We try really hard to say thank you for the most mundane things, taking out the trash, folding and putting away the laundry, filling up the car with gas etc.
Fun fact, when Josh and I were dating, I would always say thank you for dinner after a date, and he would always reply "thank you for eating with me." I always thought that was so kind, and so when we got married every night when we were doing the dishes, he would say "thank you for dinner" and I started to reply, "thank you for eating with me."
#2. Compliment each other. Isn't it the best when someone tells you that they like your outfit, or something you made? This is so true in marriage. Josh is really great about always complementing a meal I've cooked, or when I'm all ready for church. I try to remember to tell him when I like his new shirt, or how he grilled the steaks etc. We are always working on doing this because it makes such a difference.
#3. Travel together as much as possible pre babies. Since we were married for quite a few years before we had a baby, we truly took advantage of traveling as much as we could. I am so glad we did because babies make it a lot more complicated, whether you are taking them or not. It will never be easier, quicker, or cheaper to travel than when it is just the two of you, so go!
#4. Date nights. These have become even more critical since we became parents a little over a year ago, because they are so much harder to come by now. Pre babies, really any night could be date night, now it requires a lot more planning, but it makes it even more special. We try really hard to book a sitter, and have a date night every other week. Date nights are insurance for your marriage, and are even more important once you bring little people into the picture, because they are depending on the strength of your marriage. One day those little people will be all grown up, make sure you are investing now.
#5. Learn your spouses love language. Before we got married, Josh and I read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, learned each others and have tried to implement those in our marriage. Over the course of the last few years, some of them have shifted and I'm sure they will continue to but it's a great way to keep reminding yourself how to best tell your spouse that you love them in different ways.
Marriage is hard work, but so worth it and I love getting to build a life with my best friend. We have so much more to learn! What are your best tips for marriage?
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