Secrets to a happy marriage

A Cup of Jo has been featuring various guest bloggers writing on what makes a happy marriage while Joanna is on her honeymoon. These posts inspired me to write down what I think makes our marriage great.

Spend time together. The more time we spend together the better we know each other. We know each other's intentions which really decreases misunderstandings which lead to arguments.

Try new things. We are both mildly adventurous and look out for new/free things to do. We started working out together, played tennis, gone to pro-athletic events (hockey, tennis, baseball), gone to new museums, seen concerts, gone on vacations (FL, MA, WY), gone sailing, bought a sewing machine that we're going to use one day, take pictures/edit them, cooked various types of food, watched different types of TV shows/movies. We get to see each other in different environments and it gives us something to look forward to.

Support each other. Albert has supported me through school and new jobs and especially with my gluten free diet. He is understanding when I want to go to a church activity and I likewise am understanding and encourage him to participate in his church duties, school, and work. We help each other and don't give each other a hard time. We also support each other when it comes to family, hobbies (playing cards, blogging), and goals (like gaining/losing weight, exercising).

Pick-up the slack. When I'm working all day Albert does all the chores at home and when he's sick I'll take care of him. One of the benefits of being married is knowing that when you need a break the other person is there to help out, you don't have to do everything by yourself.

Pray together. Having the same eternal goals and outlook on life really helps. We have the same set of moral standards and it brings us closer together to pray together each night and attend church meetings then talk about lessons/talks afterwards. We started out our marriage in the Lord's House and we try to include Him in all our decisions.