If you’re looking to live life well, learning to love well is a skill you must have. Marriage is a life-long partnership that often doesn’t go the distance, because we stop loving each other well. Here are some tips on learning to love well.
Burn your blueprint
Rid yourself of whatever fantasies you have about the bliss of coupled life. There is no script, so don’t be disappointed when your fairytale gets hijacked.
Forgive and forget
Easy to say. Hard to do. Required for lasting love.
Be a good teammate
Life can come at you hard. One of the nice things about marriage and relationships is being able to have someone else in the bunker when you’re getting shelled.
Grow
If you still have the same desires, opinions and beliefs at age 50 that you did at age 25, that’s your own fault. You will not, and should not, be the same person you were then.
Adapt
Even if you stagnate, the person you’re in a relationship with will change. Don’t fight it. Embrace it. Learn from it and be thankful for it.
Find your faith
There is a great comfort in believing in something or someone beyond our crude human existence. Explore this belief.
Travel together
Travel forces couples to rely on one another in unpredictable ways. It will also broaden your worldview and the way you value your relationship.
Cultivate friendships
One of the greatest joys of living is meeting new people. And many of the people you meet will likely make you appreciate your mate even more.
Exercise
You owe it to each other to be in the best physical health possible. The mental side effects from exercise will also be beneficial.
Practice self-awareness
Take frequent looks in the mirror. Reflect on who you are and the contributions you are making to you relationship.
Celebrate accomplishments
Whether it’s a promotion at work or the police officer let you off with just a warning, find every occasion possible to toast your good fortune.
Surprise one another
Fill up her car. Let him sleep in the bed. Go to his favorite movie.
Talk about sex
Sex is an important part of any relationship. Make sure you talk about it outside of the bedroom.
Encourage each other
We all have insecurities. Your relationship is one place where you should be completely free to reveal these and your spouse should help you overcome them.
Pick it up
Your dirty socks. Your used tissue. A dirty dish.
Put it down.
The toilet seat. Her cell phone.
Offer a solution, not criticism
Anyone can criticize. A good teammate will offer a way out.
Use your words
Don’t just think it—say it. Start by saying, “thank you,” “your welcome,” “I appreciate you,” and “I love you.”
