6 Things I’ve Learned in 6 Years of Marriage

Since our 6^th Wedding Anniversary was this past Sunday I wanted to start a tradition to do a yearly post of things I’ve learned from marriage. I actually got this idea from my friend and blogging/writing coach Catherine Alford!

The 6 things I’ve learned from marriage are:

1. My husband can’t read my mind

Ladies, did you know that your hubby can’t read your mind? This past year with me getting a promotion at work, taking care of our kiddos, my marriage, starting a little side business, and my blog on my mind all the time, I feel like I’m going 100 miles an hour. Many times I have several items racing through my mind, but sometimes I forget to tell my hubby about it. When I forget to include him in on my plan sometimes I would get frustrated that we weren’t on the same page. Suddenly I realized it was ME! Many times it slips my mind that I actually didn’t verbalize what I’m thinking of to him.

2. We show and receive love differently

One of the best things Dustin and I did on our honeymoon was that we BOTH had the chance to read The 5 Love Languages. This was great for us as newlyweds to learn a little bit about how we show and receive love. If you and your spouse have not read this book I HIGHLY recommend it. Once you realize how your spouse feels most loved it opens a whole new outlook on your marriage.

3. You’re on the same team

I’ve said so many times that marriage is tough. And when you’ve been with someone for a long time you learn what pushes their buttons as well. Something that I have to been working on in my marriage the last couple of years is that we are on the same team. We are on the same team when it comes to everything: big decisions, kids, finances, goals, and especially arguments. When you disagree, don’t forget that you are on the same team. Take one for the team or try and compromise with one another.

4. Be supportive of one another

At the end of the day, there is no one else that should be rooting more for you and your dreams and goals than your significant other. They know your heart and your intentions and I believe 100% they should be your number one fan.

 5. Dream Big…Together

Dustin and I recently have started listening to Darren Hardy videos together. Darren Hardy is absolutely amazing in helping you get focused in your life so you can be successful and transform your life. Dustin and I just recently started setting goals for the future and there is something so positive about sitting with your spouse and setting goals for yourself and your family. This also helps us stay on the same page and make sure we keep moving forward in the right direction.

6. Marriage is 2^nd only to your relationship with God

Man, this is tough. Dustin and I were only married for 10 months when we found out we were pregnant with Elise. Since then it’s been pregnancy after pregnancy, baby after baby after babies :). With life, it’s so easy to put your marriage on the back burner. When you have young children it seems like they take every single minute of your day and many times we feel the pressure of that. Don’t forget that without a strong marriage you don’t have a strong family unit. Make every effort to fight for your marriage every single day.

Each year has brought so much joy and we’ve also had our tough points. Everything that we’ve experience has only made us grow and learn more. As each year passes we are both bound to change as we get older. We have to make sure that we stay intentional with our marriage and our family to make sure we grow together.

Are you married or in a long-term relationship? How many years? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?