Can I let you in on a little secret?
Hi there, Today, I want to share a secret I've never told anyone, including my husband. I almost backed out of my marriage. I was in a relationship for over 7 years and we were happy. We had fixed the venue, sent out the invitations, and everything was set. But then, I started having doubts. I was afraid that getting married would ruin what we had. I have heard so many stories about how everything changes after marriage and how people realize the person they married is totally different from the one they fell in love with. I wasn't sure if I was ready for all the changes that marriage would bring. I was afraid of losing my independence and my freedom. I was afraid of the responsibilities and expectations that would come with being a wife. But in the end, I decided to go through with the wedding. And I'm so glad I did. I'm not going to lie. Marriage is not always easy. There are times when we fight and argue. But there's one thing we've never done in the last 10 years: We never disregard each other's feelings. You don’t need to be the best communicator. You don’t even need to agree to everything the other person says. But you need to respect their feelings. It doesn’t matter who’s right or who’s wrong. The secret to a strong and healthy relationship is: Putting your partner first. As Darren Hardy says, “You have to be willing to give 100 percent with zero expectation of receiving anything in return. Only when you’re willing to take 100 percent responsibility for making the relationship work will it work. Otherwise, a relationship left to chance will always be vulnerable to disaster.” This doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your own needs and desires. It just means being willing to compromise and to consider their needs as well as your own. What does this mean in practice?It means being willing to compromise. It means being supportive and understanding. It means being forgiving. It means putting in the effort to make your partner happy. When you put your partner first, you're sending them a message that they are the most important person in your life. This message builds trust and intimacy, which are essential for a strong and healthy relationship. How can you achieve this?For now, just listen to them. Really listen to what they have to say, without interrupting or judging. We’re all so busy in our lives, that relationships sometimes take a back seat. So, schedule a few minutes each day to really listen to your partner without distractions. Putting your partner first isn't always easy, but it's worth it. Try this and you’ll be surprised. See you next Friday! Sushmita P.S.: If you have questions, feel free to contact me. Hit reply to this email and I'll respond. I always do. |